LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



Chap. __ Copyright No.. 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



■0^; 



^m-M 



VETERINARY HOMEOPATHY 



IN ITS APPLICATION TO THE 






9 



INCLUDING A CODE OF COMMON 

SUGGESTIVE SYMPTOMS, 

BY 

JOHN SUTCLIFFE'HURNDALL, 

Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, England. 




PHILADELPHIA: 

BOERICKE & TAFEL. 

1896. 



1^o\S^^-\ 






Copyrighted, 1896, 
BOERICKE & Tafel. 



T. B. & H. B. COCHRAN, PRINTERS, 
LANCASTER, PA. 



,,.^1?V^ 



CONTENTS. 



Preface iii 

Introduction v 

Hygiene and Sanitation 15 

Diagnosis 21 

Strength of Drugs and the Dose 34 

Arrangement of Diseases 43 

Generai, Diseases 45 

Simple Fever 45 

Bilious Fever .... 46 

Strangles 47 

Influenza 50 

Erysipelas 58 

Glanders and Farcy 61 

Anthrax 72 

Rheumatism 77 

Bi^GOD Poisoning 82 

Pyaemia, Septicamia 82 

Rabies g^ 

Weed, Lymphangitis 87 

Purpurea Haemorrhica 92 

Diseases of Parts and Organs Inci^uded in the Respiratory 

Tract 95 

Common Cold 96 

Nasal Gleet 97 

Laryngitis lor 

Roaring 103 

The Lungs 109 

Bronchitis no 

Congestion of the Lungs 115 

Pleuro-pneumonia 115 



CONTENTS. 

Broncho-pneumonia 115 

Pneumonia 116 

Pleurisy 123 

Asthma — Broken Wind 126 

Newmarket Fever 129 

Diseases of the: Circui^atory System 132 

Palpitation 136 

Enlargement or Dilations of the Heart 138 

Carditis, Endocarditis, Valvulitis, 140 

Fatty Degeneration of the Heart 146 

Arteries 146 

Phlebitis — Inflammation of the Veins 147 

Hiccough, Spasm of Diaphragm 148 

Diseases oe Digestive System 149 

The Teeth 152 

Lampas 154 

Glossitis — Inflammation of the Tongue 156 

Parotitis — Inflammation of the Parotid Glands 157 

Pharyngitis — Inflammation of Pharynx j^g 

Sore Throat i^g 

(Esophagus, Gullet 161 

Gastritis — Inflammation of Stomach 162 

Indigestion, Dyspepsia 167 

Rupture of the Stomach ^ lyo 

The Intestines . 174 

Intestinal Obstruction 175 

Colic 183 

Rupture of Intestinal Walls j88 

Enteretis— Inflammation of the Intestines 190 

Dysentery j^2 

Prolapsus Ani 104 

Peritonitis jn^ 

Acites, Dropsy jgy 

Constipation jog 

Diarrhoea ........... 205 

Diseases of the I^iver 210 

Congestion of the Liver 211 

Diseases of the Urinary and Generative Organs 214 



CONTENTS. 

Congestion of Kidneys, Renal Congestion 217 

Nephritis: Inflammation of Kidneys 219 

Diabetes 223 

Cystitis: Inflammation of the Bladder 225 

Azoturia 227 

Occasional Diseases of the Urinary Organs 229 

Parturition 233 

Before, During and After the Act . 233 

Retention of the Foetal Membranes 237 

After-birth < 237 

Haemorrhage or Flooding 238 

Diseased Conditions Incidental to Parturition . . .- 240 

Vaginitis: Inflammation of Vagina 241 

Metretis : Inflammation of the Womb 242 

Mammitis: Inflammation of the Udder 244 

Sore Teats 246 

The Foal . 246 

Arthritis 248 

Abortion and Premature Birth 250 

The Ne^rvous System 260 

Meningitis. Cerebritis: Inflammation of the Brain 266 

Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis 268 

Tetanus — Ivock-jaw 271 

Chorea 275 

Paralysis • • . . 276 

Lameness 278 

Sprains of Tendons, Ligaments and Musci^es 281 

Diseases of the Bye ; 304 

OccAsioNAi. Diseases 310 

Diseases of the Skin 312 

Internai, Parasites 320 

Infi^ammation 321 

Code of Common Suggestive Symptoms 327 

General, Index • • • 337 



PREFACE. 



The object I have tried to keep before me while preparing this 
book, has been to furnish, in concise and, so far as possible, un- 
conventional language, information that will enable those who 
have the charge of horses to discover what ails the animal when 
signs of illness or incapacity for work are observed; and further 
how to treat a patient under such conditions. I make no claim 
for the production of a scientific work; but I am attempting to 
cater to those who have no acquaintance either with medicine or 
disease but who at the same time are thrown upon their own 
resources when their equine charges fall ill. I am informed that 
over large districts of the United States of America, the services 
of a qualified Veterinary Surgeon are not available simply because 
there is not one resident within a reasonable distance; I hope that 
in such districts, especially, this book will prove of considerable 
service. It has been my aim to treat of common and oft-recur- 
ring ailments and in my descriptions I have sought to express 
myself in the everyday language of the stable. 

If in the opinion of some it should seem that I am chargeable 
with prolixity and that many phrases are oft repeated, I must ask 
one and all to remember that I am writing for the million, among 
many of whom, educational advantages may possibly not have 
been of the highest order; to make clear to such as these, the full 
meaning of all I desire to convey, has, as it seems to me, rendered 
the frequent repetition of phraseology an absolute necessity. 

Conventional terms appear much oftener than I could have 
desired, but to avoid these simply means to leave many ailments 
untouched; I have therefore sought to obviate the objection which 
may possibly be raised to their introduction by a very full Index 
to which reference can always be made to insure a simpler 
understanding of the meaning. 

With a view to render it comparatively easy to discover a given 
ailments, I have prepared a list of prominent suggestive symp- 



IV PRKFACK. 

toms, such as are common to the observation of any man who is 
quaUfied to undertake the responsibihty of managing or superin- 
tending a stable; and in juxtaposition therewith, the names of the 
various diseases in which these symptoms occur; on a careful 
perusal of this portion of the work it will be observed that quite 
a large proportion of these symptoms occur in a number of 
different diseases, and, perhaps, it may strike some persons that, 
after all, the list of suggestive symptoms is not much help; but my 
advice is, that when a horse appears unwell, a note should be 
made of all the chief symptoms observable; thereafter refer to the 
list, and the disease which covers the greater number of symptoms 
should be studied in order to determine if the case in hand answers 
to the fuller description therein contained. The number of 
remedies prescribed in the body of the work is considerable, and 
under some special forms of disease circumstances demand refer- 
ence to various remedies; the careful comparative study of the 
* ' suggestive symptoms ' ' with those symptoms which indicate the 
selection of a given drug under specific conditions, will be found 
extremely useful as it will result in conveying a lasting impression 
upon the mind that will render the practice of recognizing 
symptoms much easier on future occasions. 

I sincerely hope that as these * ' suggestive symptojns ' ' become 
thoroughly impressed upon the minds of those who do me the 
honor to consult this work, the simpler will the task of recogniz- 
ing disorder become from time to time; and that the object I had 
in view when I undertook this work will be fully realized and 
ultimately prove a boon to many a man who is thrown entirely 
upon his own resources in the management and treatment of his 
horses. 

J. SUTCI.IFFK HURNDALI,, M. R. C. V. S.^ 

Sussex Villas, Kensington, London, July, iSp^, 



INTRODUCTION. 



For every work that is worth the doing, a good reason may, if 
necessary, be assigned, for how can a good work exist without a 
reasonable cause! It may not be absolutely necessary to advance 
a reason for the production of the present work on ' ' Veterinary 
Homoeopathy in its Application to the Horse." Nevertheless it 
is to be hoped that it will not detract from its usefulness if an 
attempt is made to explain why the production of such a work 
should have been entertained. 

During the last two decades the science of Physiology, which 
purports to treat of the body in a state of health, and the science 
of Pathology, which, in like manner, treats of the bodily functions 
in a state of disease, have respectivelj^ made rapid advances both 
as regards discovery and application; but, apart from those who 
practice Homoeopathy, little or no advance has been made in the 
science of Therapeutics, which is the science of curing disease; 
this may seem an unwarrantably dogmatic assertion, but it has 
been so frequently admitted by leaders of the medical profession 
to be a lamentable fact, that any one who has a practical acquaint- 
ance with the "better way," may well be pardoned for referring 
to so weak a spot in the armour of the general orthodox practi- 
tioner. In view of the fact that a very large majority of the 
medical practitioners of the world, and for the sake of comparison 
to all intents and purposes, all the Veterinary Practitioners, remain 
faithful to the old system of medicine, which, since Homoeopathy 
sprung into existence has been termed Allopathy, the practical and 
intelligent layman naturally asks the question as to what is the 
distinction between these two systems; and in many instances it is 
not before either he or some dearly beloved friend has been 
snatched from the jaws of death by means of the medical system 
known as Homoeopathy after all that could be done b}^ means of 
the old-fashioned system of allopathy has been tried and failed, that 
serious attention has been given to the subject and even then it is 



VI INTRODUCTION. 

admired and relied upon, in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred, 
because, notwithstanding the antiquity of the old system, the new 
has done what the old failed to realize and the man accepts the 
truth of Homoeopathy and believes in it because through it his life 
or that of his friend w^as saved. 

It is quite true that Homoeopathy has done what Allopathy has 
failed to do, and it is impossible to assign an intelligible reason for 
the non-acceptance of the principles of Homoeopathy among so 
large a proportion of the medical and Veterinary professions, the 
real fact, stated in plain unvarnished language is, that for some 
unaccountable reason, the word Homoeopathy and the name of 
Hahnemann, its discoverer and founder, are like the proverbial 
red rag to a bull, to members of these professions; the bull with- 
out thought, reason or compunction on seeing a red rag tosses and 
does his best to destroy it; this is very much like the action of the 
medical profession towards Homoeopathy; a rational person would 
naturally conclude that on hearing of what Homoeopathy could do 
and had done, the medical profession, whose first duty it is to save 
life and ameliorate suffering, would hail with joy and thanksgiv- 
ing any discovery that promised well to realize so desirable an 
object; and that, w^ithout loss of time, it would fearlessly and 
honestly investigate the facts and prove them for itself; it is 
acknowledged that by no means an inconsiderable number has 
adopted this course, with the result that so far as is known publicly 
not one single member of the allopathic professions ever under- 
took the serious investigation of Homoeopathy with a conscientious 
determination to learn the truth, the whole truth and nothing but 
the truth who did not accept the principle as his guide in the 
future. This is a fact worthy the serious consideration of every 
practical la3'man, and from it he may without difficulty draw his 
own deductions as to the reason why so few, as compared 
with the full roll of medical practitioners and Veterinarians 
in the world have adopted Hahnemann's golden rule, as their 
own; true, America has shown a splendid example and she has 
done more to foster the growth and development of this glorious, 
life-saving principle than any country in the world, and she in- 
cludes among the alumni of her famous medical colleges a suf- 
ficiently influential number of the loyal followers of Hahnemann 
who are a power in the States; still, as compared with the vast 



INTRODUCTION. vil 

army of allopathists they are but feeble folk numerically. The 
position which homoeopathists occupy would seem to furnish a 
sufficiently valid reason for the production of a practical manual 
that shall serve as a guide to laymen, especially those located in 
districts which lie very distant from the centres where the profes- 
sional veterinarian is established, and that without reference to 
the fact that the system offers advantages far and away superior 
to the old fashioned practice chiefly in vogue among the general 
run of veterinary surgeons. It is of the first importance that all 
whom it concerns should enjoy an intelligent appreciation of the 
difference between Homoeopathy and Allopathy; and in the first 
place with a view to explain the matter, it may be safely averred 
that whereas Allopathy means, etymologically, treating by oppo- 
sites. Homoeopathy is treating by likes. At first sight it looks as 
though Allopathy had, from a rational standpoint, the best of the 
argument, but as we proceed we shall discover that Allopathy 
furnishes no guiding principle in the selection of drugs, whereas 
the foundation of Homoeopathy is based upon its one guiding 
principle ' ' likes may be cured by likes ' ' and but for this the whole 
superstructure would tumble to pieces, ' ' — in fact there would be no 
superstructure. lyCt us attempt in a few simple words to clear up 
the objections to the old-fashioned allopathic method of prescribing; 
it has already been said that allopathists have no principle or law 
to guide them in selecting drugs for the cure of diseases, and 
remarkable as this may seem to those not practically acquainted 
with medicine, it is an undeniable fact; it has also been stated that 
allopathists pretend to prescribe and treat disease by opposites, 
that is to say they endeavor to find a drug or method of treatment 
which is contrary or opposed to the patient's symptoms, or dis- 
ease; for instance, if an animal or man is constipated, administer 
a purge or laxative; if loose in the bowels administer an astringent, 
and so on; at first sight this appears a very rational line of pro- 
cedure; but inquire a little further; how are you to find out the 
contrary or opposite of a toothache, a stomachache, a sore throat, 
sickness, inflammation of the lungs, bronchitis, inflammation of 
the kidneys, and so on to the end of the chapter; the fact is you 
cannot do anything of the sort, and it will be clear to the percep- 
tion of any practical mind, that failing this, the allopathists' 
method has no guiding principle about it. The same objec- 



Vlll INTRODUCTION. 

tion arises when you examine the plan allopathists adopt of 
treating diseases from knowledge gained through the study of 
pathology, which is the science that deals with the changes that 
go on in the various organs of the body, and the tissue or 
material of which those organs consist; for instance, consider what 
changes take place under certain conditions in the liver and the 
lungs; without any scientific knowledge, any man who has been 
in a Knacker's yard and seen these organs exposed to view could 
easily tell that very considerable changes had taken place in the 
tissue if only guided by the color and texture of these organs 
when diseased as compared with those recognized as in a healthy 
or normal condition; well! how can a contrary or opposite in the 
form of a drug be found to these diseased conditions? Knowledge, 
such as allopathists have, can only be obtained by experimenting 
on patients, and this many of them not only admit, but boast is 
their method of prescribing; experience and experiment are very 
forcible and effective words and sound well to the mind not 
specially trained in medicine, but they may be badly applied, and 
mislead the unwary, and so they have done, and still are doing; but 
it is the duty and the privilege of those who have studied the prin- 
ciples of Homoeopathy to show to all intelligent people who are 
willing to learn, that there is a rule or guiding principle, based on 
scientific principles, as unerring in its application as any of the 
great and acknowledged laws of nature by which the Veterinarian 
and medical man may determine what drug to administer in the 
thousand and one ailments to which man and beast are daily fall- 
ing victims; to the practical layman, who looks at the matter 
from a common sense point of view, and whose mind is not 
biased by any old traditions, the system, which can give a well- 
defined reason for its regular course of action, must assuredly 
commend itself. Now, for the better understanding of the 
matter let us ask the question "What is Homoeopathy? " Many 
persons are under the impression that this word is associated only 
with the administration of small, and in some cases infinitesimal, 
doses; that the drugs are generally prepared in the form of 
globules or pilules and are devoid of nauseous taste; but it must 
please be distinctly understood that these are erroneous con- 
ceptions of the meaning of Homoeopathy; there is not a vestige 
of truth in the idea, and the reason why it became so prevalent 



INTRODUCTION. IX 

can only be due to the fact that few persons have ever troubled 
themselves to investigate and find out the truth concerning the 
system; they have satisfied themselves with the result of the 
practice of Homoeopathy either in their own experience or that 
of an intimate friend, and there the matter has ended, but to 
avoid an3' misunderstanding let it be distinctly understood the 
matter of the dose is one of experience only and has nothing 
to do with the principle; this alone depends upon a law based 
on the relationship which exists between a given drug and 
the symptoms it is capable of producing on a healthy sub- 
ject and the symptoms w^hich present themselves in a subject 
when affected by disease. The various strengths of drugs 
as defined in the Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia and the very 
precise methods of their preparation are the results of ex- 
tensive practice after Hahnemann introduced the Law of selec- 
tion to public notice, and it is very necessary that they should 
be observed and adopted, for there is no doubt that very frequently 
the drug which is homoeopathically selected and administered in 
its crude form not only fails to do good but actually does harm by 
intensifying and rendering more acute the ver}^ condition it is 
intended to alleviate; further the methods of preparation, which 
Hahnemann laid down for the guidance of the Pharmaceutical 
Druggists should be conscientiously observed, as there is no doubt, 
whatever some Practitioners may say to the contrary, that the 
succussion or shaking of the tinctures and the persistent tritura- 
tion with the pestle and mortar of the powders brings out in some 
mysterious wa}^ the active power of the drug, without which it is 
absolutely ineffectual and useless, and to the absence of these pre- 
cautions are traceable the failure and disappointment which un- 
fortunately will crop up in homoeopathic practice; there is a great 
tendency in the present day to ignore the value of what are called 
high attenuations, simply because the practitioners who attribute 
little importance to the value of highly potentized drugs appear 
incapable of appreciating the fact that in this condition they are 
more (under certain conditions) effective than in the crude state; 
the fact that they are so, — these learned gentlemen notwithstand- 
ing, — has been proved among the lower animals very frequently. 
But to return to the main subject, viz. the Law which consti- 
tutes the principle of Homoeopathy: it does not call for the ex- 



X INTRODUCTION. 

ercise of much imagination to understand that given a healthy- 
subject, whether among the human race or the lower ani- 
mals, and you administer a uon-poisonous dose of Arsenic, 
Mercury, Strychiivic, Aconite, Belladonna or any other 
drug, whether it belongs to the mineral, vegetable, or 
animal worlds, you will in all probability be able to observe the 
result, which result will make itself known by certain symptoms 
either experienced by the subject in the way of sensation or notice- 
able to the eye of an^^one looking on; for instance, if a person 
takes sufficient Belladorina to produce the ordinary effects of this 
drug on the health}^ both kinds of symptoms will present them- 
selves: first the subjective, or symptoms of sensation experienced 
by the person, namely, a sore throat, headache and fever; second, 
a symptom observable to the eye of one looking on, namely, a 
scarlet rash on the skin; this is an objective symptom. Now these 
subjective and objective sj'mptoms, namely, fever, headache, sore 
throat and scarlet rash furnish a picture of the symptoms experi- 
enced by one who is the subject of scarlet fever. Bellado7ina there- 
fore is the remedy according to Hahnemann's law of drug selection 
for scarlet fever, and so clinical or bedside experience has proved it 
to be, times out of number; but in the practical application of this 
law there is a pitfall into which many persons fall when attempt- 
ing to put it to the test, and not a few of these failures could be 
found among members of the medical and veterinary professions, 
what w^onder, therefore, if a layman makes a mistake ! The pitfall 
consists in taking one, two, three or more symptoms while two or 
three others that may be present were overlooked or ignored; 
Hahnemann states that the totality — which means the whole of 
them, not leaving even one out — of the symptoms, either patent 
to the naked eye, or experienced or felt by the patient, must be 
included to enable the doctor to properly select the remedy for the 
case before him; byway of illustration take scarlet fever and ^^//a- 
do7ina already referred to; a person might easily be the subject of 
fever and have a headache and sore throat, but if there was no 
bright scarlet rash on the skin depend upon it he was suffering 
from something other than scarlet fever; in which case the fever, 
headache and sore throat would not point to Belladonna as a 
suitable remedy; provided, always, that those three symptoms 
formed the totality of the symptoms of the case. With these facts 



INTRODUCTION. XI 

before the reader it will be quite clear that to select a drug for a 
case of disease or illness requires close observation, especially 
among the lower animals who cannot give expression to their feel- 
ings b}^ word of mouth; at the same time anyone constantly among 
animals, who is endowed with quick perception, can soon learn 
much from the dumb show often most intelligentl}^ displayed by 
these creatures that shall lead to quite as correct an estimate of 
their sensations as can be learned from the higher order of creation 
who by word of mouth not infrequently mislead by incorrect or 
-wilfully untrue statements. It will now be seen that the homoeo- 
pathic law, '' Likes viay be cured by likes, ^^ has a scientific founda- 
tion, inasmuch as it furnishes a means for and a guide in the 
choice of a medicine, and for this reason alone it should commend 
itself to every man of ordinary intelligence. There is no diffi- 
culty in finding suitable remedies, inasmuch as Hahnemann and a 
considerable number of his followers in more recent times have 
tested the action of a very large proportion of the drugs now in- 
cluded in the pharmacopceia upon themselves when in health, and 
these have been recorded in various books which are now kept for 
reference; of necessity the study calls for a retentive memory 
backed up by indomitable perseverance before anything like an 
adequate understanding of the subject can be arrived at; but to 
render the present work of practical use to the horse owner who 
desires to treat his own animals a summary of the principal S3'mp- 
toms in many of the more common ailments will be prepared, so 
that reference may the more readily be made to that portion of the 
book which deals with diseases under their recognized headings, 
and the special remedies will be indicated; in this manner it is 
hoped to compensate the layman for his want of technical knowledge 
and experience, and in this way assist those who by reason of locality 
are unable to avail themselves of professional advice. Let us now 
examine the position arrived at; it is an acknowledged fact among 
those who content themselves with prescribing drugs as the allo- 
pathist does, that experience is the sheet anchor on which they 
rely; let us assume that a certain man or a certain animal was the 
subject of an illness, which the allopathic practioner described in 
his professional phraseology as "'Pneumonia,^'' which in plain 
language means " inflammation of the lun^s;'' a certain course of 
treatment was adopted in this case and the result, together with 



Xll INTRODUCTION. 

the name of the drug or drugs used, has been handed down to 
future generations of practitioners; the patient recovered, hence 
when other cases of Pneumonia crop up the allopathist falls back 
upon the system of treatment which he finds recorded as above; 
and so the thing has gone on for ages; but not one of those who 
have acted on this line could give any scientific reason for the use 
of the drug or drugs referred to, and more often than not disap- 
pointment has resulted and the patient has died. An effort has 
been made to give loud-sounding names, based on the science 
known as pathology, to every form of disease, and in each of the 
many diseases recognized the same course of procedure has been 
adopted; one man has tried one thing for a given disease and suc- 
ceeded; another has experimented on some other drug with equally 
good results, and so on ad infinitum^ and each in their turn pub- 
lished their experience in some book or journal until the medical 
professions have become fairly bewildered with the numerous pre- 
scriptions for various diseases; but this very fact should convince 
that some other method than an experience based on the uncertain 
foundation of guess work is called for; you ma}^ give names to 
such as Pneumonia, Bronchitis, Pleurisy and the like, and for pro- 
fessional descriptive purposes these names may serve a useful 
purpose; but there never were two cases of Pneumonia, or Bron- 
chitis, or Pleurisy, or any other form of disease, recognized by 
name, that were exactly alike; some symptoms occur in one case 
that do not present themselves in another, and the presence of one 
or more symptoms in one case that are absent in another are quite 
sufficient to account for the failure of a certain line of treatment 
that was perhaps marvellously successful in another that had pre- 
ceded it; the allopathic practitioner places no value upon the 
totality of the symptoms; in other words, he generalizes, but is 
not sufficiently precise. 

This is where Homoeopathy steps in and furnishes a definite 
mode of procedure; it does not ignore any symptoms; nay more, it 
not only includes the aggregate or totality of the symptoms pre- 
sented at the time by the patient, but takes into consideration any 
symptoms experienced or that may have been observed in the 
previous history of the case; and comparing all these as a whole, 
with the symptoms that drugs are capable of producing in the 
healthy body as a whole, a correct selection of a drug for a given 



INTRODUCTION. Xlll 

ailment may be made on the principle or law that likes may be 
cured by likes; as before stated, given several cases of Pneumonia, 
Bronchitis, or Pleurisy, no two cases will present an exactly 
similar totality of symptoms, therefore, though generally speaking, 
the names given to these diseases may be useful, they do not furn- 
ish any reliable data whereupon a doctor may select a remedy; 
every case must be taken as it is found and the guide for the 
selection of the drug must be the aggregate of the symptoms pre- 
sented; in conclusion the law of healing (Therapeutic I^aw) 
includes two classes of symptoms: First. — The symptoms out- 
wardly exhibited and inwardly felt by the patient. Second. — The 
symptoms produced in a healthy subject by a drug; provided 
always that the symptoms which the drug produces are similar to 
those of the patient, under which circumstances the former will 
relieve and remove the latter. So far our aim has been to make 
clear the system of medicine in accordance with which the ailments 
of a patient may be cured through the instrumentality of a remedy 
in the form of drugs; but it must be distinctly understood that as 
with the human subject, so, and indeed more also, with horses it 
frequently happens that circumstances calling for very careful 
attention arise in which the science of treating animals by means 
of drugs (therapeutics) will not meet the case adequately, or, 
indeed, at all; for instance, a horse meets with an injury due to 
an unavoidable accident, or he has his foot severely pricked while 
being shod; again, you may own a mare that is with foal, which, 
by reason of its having got into an unnatural position cannot be 
born without assistance; these are cases calling for operative sur- 
ger}^; and while it is not at all improbable that the condition of 
the patient may be such, as a consequence of these circumstances 
to require the administration of drugs by way of assistance, the 
difficulties could not be got over by drugs alone; operative sur- 
gery here would be the chief factor in the course of treatment; 
therefore it must not be imagined that cases such as these calling 
for mechanical interference can be cured by the administration of 
drugs only. Again, there are certain diseases which owe their 
origin to parasites, which are found both in the body and upon it 
externally; for the removal of these chemical or mechanical means 
must be adopted; for the destruction of these animal or vegetable 
organisms the homoeopathic law is not applicable, though there is 



XIV INTRODUCTION. 

very little doubt that so far as internal parasites are affected mucli 
can be done to render the places of their abode in the organism an 
unsuitable habitation, by which is meant that the intestines when 
they harbor parasites are not in a healthy condition and conse- 
quently favor the production of parasitic germs, and that by the 
administration of suitable remedies they may be restored to a 
healthy condition and as a result rendered unfavorable to the pro- 
duction and development of parasites; thus far drugs may be 
useful, but it cannot be said that under such circumstances the 
homoeopathic law is brought into practice; that is to say, in the 
sense of curing a disease by drugs alone; the parasites have to be 
destroyed, hence the process is a chemical one and not a thera- 
peutic. Although many of these methods of treatment do not 
come within the possible knowledge of a layman, it has been 
deemed necessary to clearly point them out lest a misconception 
should arise that all diseases can be cured by drugs alone; there 
are limits in the application of the homoeopathic law of cure, and 
it is desirable that this should be clearly understood, otherwise 
discredit will be brought upon the principle and great disappoint- 
ment experienced by persons who may be attempting an impossi- 
bility. Although this attempt at expounding the tenets of the 
homoeopathic faith has been made, the author feels he has but 
feebly realized the objects aimed at; the difficulties have rather been 
enhanced by reason of the necessity laid upon him by the pub- 
lishers to avoid, as much as possible, technical professional terms; 
still it is hoped that this introductory chapter will not be without 
interest and utility, in so far as those who desire to avail them- 
selves of the work may be able to comprehend the difference 
between the man who has a principle to guide him in the selection 
of a drug for any given ailment, and he who simply does so by 
guess work on the off chance that a cure may be hit upon. 



HYGIENE AND SANITATION 

OR PRINCIPLES TO BE OBSERVED FOR THE PRESER- 
ViVTION OF HEALTH. 



The old-fashioned adage that ^''prevention is better than aire,'' ^ 
cannot be more usefully brought into practice than in its applica- 
tion to the health of the horse and other domestic animals; for so 
long as a horse enjoys immunity from disease, so much more 
valuable is he to his owner, as no time is lost in the due fulfillment 
of his daily duties, to say nothing of the absence of anxiet}^ and 
trouble on the owner's or stableman's minds and parts, b}^ reason 
of attention and expense involved during a bout of sickness; 
therefore it will not be out of place to devote a special chapter to 
the careful consideration of how to keep a horse in health so far 
as ordinary precautions avail. 

One of the first and most important matters for consideration is 
the construction of the stable; few, if any, architects seem able to 
grasp the first principles of ventilation, or, if acquainted with them, 
rarely carry them into practice; free circulation of pure air com- 
bined with a complete freedom from cold draughts is an absolutely 
essential feature of a healthy stable; many horses, especially those 
kept for racing, hunting, trotting and carriage work, are kept in 
elaborately built stables in which a high temperature is maintained 
by keeping the inlets to fresh air tightly closed, and that without 
any provision for its ingress other than passes through the windows 
or doors. Places no better provided witii ventilation than this are 
egregiously faulty; horses kept for sport and private convenience, 
especially the former, are, without doubt, rendered peculiarly sus- 
ceptible to disease, particularly diseases affecting the respiratory 
organs, by the mistake of keeping them in an unnaturally high 
temperature; it is quite possible to keep a horse sufficiently w^arm 
to fulfill the exigencies of training for racing and hunting and 



1 6 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

carriage work, and still to maintain an equable temperature com- 
bined with a free circulation of pure air, but to do this windows 
and doors must not be relied upon. Windows are intended for 
the admission of light and doors for the passing in and out of the 
inhabitants. Fresh air must have a means of ingress, and foul air 
a means of egress peculiar to each, and that altogether separate 
and distinct from doors and windows; the requirements may best 
be provided in the following manner: The walls of the stable 
should be from fourteen to eighteen inches thick, and the inside 
should be either plastered or faced with glazed bricks, about tv/elve 
inches above the level of the ground outside. A longitudinal 
channel should be left in the centre of the wall about four and a 
half inches wide and nine inches deep, and on a level with this 
channel, both inside and out, perforated bricks should be laid 
alternately; that is to say, the outside perforated bricks should 
not be directly opposite those inside, but alternate with them. 
The object of this is, of course, patent to any one, viz., to prevent 
direct ingress of the fresh air, and so obviate a draught, at the 
same time insuring a constant, continuous and gentle diffusion 
over the whole building; it is no less important to provide for the 
due escape of foul air as for the admission of fresh, and to this end 
nothing can exceed in value an open roof with louvre boards 
running the whole length of the stable; there is, however, one 
important objection to an open roof, namely, the exposure to cold 
in winter and heat in summer; but this may be obviated by hav- 
ing a ceiling placed at the same angle as the roof, but about a foot 
from it, with a large central shaft and side exits under the eaves 
of the ceiling in the wall. This, of course, does not act so well as 
the open roof, but it guards the occupants of the stable from the 
extremes of temperature. By observing these precautions a per- 
fect ventilation is assured. 

Next to ventilation comes drainage, which in residential houses 
is not easy to perfect, but in stables it is a simple matter; given a 
reasonable fall and surface drains are all that is required within 
the building; each stall or loose box should have a central channel 
towards which the superficial area of the floor should slope in both 
directions, and this central channel should empty itself into a 
main channel running in the longitudinal direction of the build- 
ing, which in its turn should be discharged into an underground 



HYGIKNK AND SANITATION. 1 7 

drain, but this should be so arranged that the point of discharge 
should be situated at least six feet from the outer wall of the 
stable; taking for granted that the floor of the stable is paved 
with a suitable material that is impervious to moisture, a free sluic- 
ing of water will ensure cleanliness and the due washing away of 
all excrementitious material. 

Ventilation and drainage being secured as near perfection as 
possible, it is very important to the well being of horses that they 
be abundantly supplied with light, and if you cannot do better 
than windows in the walls, let them be arranged high up; but 
better than all are the vertical lights obtained from the roof; but 
even these are not without their objection lest the sun's ra3's 
should rest too fully upon the horses at midday; this, however, 
may be obviated by having the louvre boai^ds replaced by glass in 
the same form, and if the glass be ground or fluted the rays of 
the sun will be broken so as not to rest directly on the inmates of 
the stable. A good light is absolutely essential, not onl}' for the 
sake of general health, but especially for the preservation of the 
eyesight. 

As it is of the first importance to the health of the horse that 
he should not be exposed to damp, a precaution which is on!}- too 
often overlooked, it is very necessary that the site and aspect of 
the stable should be carefully and properly arranged; nothing, of 
course, beats a good gravel soil, but if the locality does not enjoy 
the advantage of this kind of soil, then the place should be well 
drained to a depth of three or four feet, and the floor of the 
stable should be raised at least one foot from the level of the 
ground and allowed to rest upon a concrete base. In the cases of 
horses trained for racing, hunting and trotting, with whom a per- 
fectly sound condition of the respiratory organs is an essential 
point, the adoption of open fireplaces is a great advantage, not so 
much in use for the sake of ensuring warmth, as to keep the stable 
dry and to render the ventilation more perfect, as well to maintain 
an even temperature during the night; of course horses can be 
kept warm in their bodies by the use of clothing, but no amount 
of clothing will keep out the moisture and cold which is so fre- 
quently experienced in districts where rapid climatic changes take 
place, and proves so disastrous in many instances, though it is to 

be regretted in the interest of owners, that trainers and stud 
2 



1 8 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

grooms too often fail to recognize the importance of providing 
against this natural difficulty; indeed, there is no doubt in the 
author's mind that among race horses described as non-stayers, or 
that make a noise (roarers, whistlers, etc.), the cause in the 
majority of cases is to be traced to stable surroundings; the tem- 
perature of the building should not exceed 55° F., good food, 
clothing and exercise will do all else that is required to keep a 
horse warm and comfortable; in conclusion it need hardly be added 
that cleanliness is a sine-qua-non for the horse, as for the man, 
and that all excrementitious material, whether solid or fluid, should 
be swept up and removed with as much expedition as possible 
from the confines of the building; it is astonishing how rapidly 
putrefactive changes take place in a horse's excrement if allowed 
to accumulate, and specially does this apply to the urine, and when 
the process is established the gases are quickly diffused over the 
building and the otherwise pure air is loaded with foul exhala- 
tions which breathed in through the lungs speedily gain access to 
the blood and bring on low fevers of an insidious type; indeed, 
they are more insidious and deeply reaching in their effects upon 
the animal constitution than is generally recognized and .render 
the system less able to corn-bat those forms of disease which by 
their distinctive manifestations have more importance attributed to 
them; many a horse may be the subject of these low types of fever 
without showing any very precise symptoms or even appearing 
seriously ill, and while ready to respond to the call of the whip 
or the spur is quite unable to realize the fond hopes of his owner 
and trainer by winning a race or a match; but in the' majority of 
instances the condition which is responsible for such failures may be 
avoided by observing the precautions in stable management herein 
indicated, and this applies with no less force to horses of all breeds 
and classes so far as general utility is concerned. 

The subjects which include forage, grooming, exercise and 
stable management generally, might fairly be included under the 
head of '^Hygiene,'" but as it is desirable not to lengthen out 
this division of the work inordinately, and every horseman is 
supposed to understand these matters and to appreciate their value 
and importance more than the great majority appears to do that 
affecting the buildings, no attempt will be made to treat of same 
except to give a warning note about the water; this has such a 



HYGIENE AND SANITATION. I9 

powerful bearing upon health that it cannot be omitted. First. 
See that your service tanks are regularly and not unfrequently 
cleaned out. Second. Be sure that no contaminating source from 
drains or otherwise can come in contact with your water supply. 
Third. If your horses are constantly supplied with water in the 
stall, be sure that the supply is changed at least twice daily, so as 
to avoid the possible contamination from gases originating from 
putrefactive sources. Fourth. I<et your water supply be natural 
soft water if possible; but should it come from a hard spring, by 
all means have it boiled in order to counteract the influence ex- 
ercised upon the digestive organs by the minerals naturally held 
in solution, which are capable of acting upon the system much as 
a drug does when administered as a poison. Should this sugges- 
tion of the boiling appear to the practical mind of some horse 
owner, a vague, theoretical, and impracticable sort of idea, which 
he has not the patience to carry out, then let him see to it that 
this hard, cold spring water is collected in a tank exposed to the 
sun's rays for a few hours before it is used; this is the next best 
thing, but do not fail to understand that much more care is neces- 
sary with regard to water supply than is generally acknowledged 
if you desire to do the best you can for your horses to keep them 
in health. There is one more point worthy ot consideration be- 
fore leaving this subject of water, and whereas it is one upon 
which practical horsemen differ it deserves a special word : ' ' When 
is the best time to allow a hard-worked horse to drink ? ' ' 

In coming to a definite opinion upon this vexed question it be- 
hooves the practical man to bear in mind the anatomy of the horse; 
First. Remember that the stomach of the horse, compared with 
other parts of the body, is decidedly small; Second. That he is 
supplied with a large bag-shaped compartment in the intestinal 
tract, which forms a sort of cul de sac and is called the Caecum 
which serves the purpose of what may be described a water 
stomach; when a horse drinks, the fluid does not remain any 
length of time in the digestive stomach but quickly passes on to 
the Caecum and from thence is distributed over the body. Now 
this being the case it points distinctly to the desirability of allow- 
ing the horse to partake of such an amount of fluid as the 
natural call of thirst demands before taking food, because the 
water which has passed on to the Ccecum will serve the purpose of 



20 VKTKRINARY HOMGEOPATHY. 

slaking thirst without diluting or interfering with the normal 
digestive secretions of the stomach which begin to pour out 
so soon as masticated food enters the organ and hence the process 
of digestion, can go on without interruption, and the assimula- 
tion of the alimentary material in its physiologically natural con- 
dition will take place; if water is given after feeding, while the 
process of digestion is going on in the stomach, the natural diges- 
tive fluids are diluted, they cannot act in this state upon the 
alimentary material and digestion is arrested until the fluid has 
passed on to its proper locality, the Caecum, still further argu- 
ments, might easily be adduced in favor of allowing a hard 
worked horse to drink before he is allowed to eat, and in 
the cases of horses such as hunters which have probably been called 
upon for the exercise of great exertion, and have been hours 
without any food, it would be a safe course to allow at least a 
quarter of an hour to elapse after letting them drink before giving 
food of any sort, and even then not more than a handful or two 
of long hay while they are being cleaned and dressed, after which 
the circulation will have assumed its normal pressure and the 
stomach will be prepared to receive the food and perform its 
natural functions. 

The object of this chapter has been to merely touch upon the 
main points affecting the sanitary conditions which have a baneful 
influence on horses of all classes, and not to attempt to deal with 
the subject in extenso; it is intended to serve as a sort of warning 
to owners against some of the dangers they have to provide against; 
to deal with hygiene comprehensively would entail a much longer 
chapter than the limits of this will provide, therefore the reader 
must please understand that no attempt has been made to deal 
with this important subject in an exhaustive manner. 



DIAGNOSIS. 



HOW TO FIND OUT THE BEST COURSE OF TREAT- 
MENT. 



One of the chief difficuUies, which besets even the experienced 
professional practitioner, is to determine what is really the matter 
with his patient, especially when first called into a case; without 
doubt there are distinct types of disease which it is comparatively 
easy to distinguish at first sight, but the cases which baffle the 
honest practitioner to discern right off the reel are occurring very 
frequently, especially if called upon to state what really is the 
matter in orthodox medical phraseology; and if the experienced 
practitioner finds it difficult to discover how the case stands, cer- 
tainly the layman is placed in a much more difficult position when 
compelled by force of circumstances to rely upon his own powers 
of discrimination unaided by professional experience. To assist 
such a one is the object of this chapter; it is comparatively easy to 
write a description of the various diseases affecting the horse, but 
it is not so easy to explain to the untrained novice how he should 
proceed. Certainly an intelligent layman, who is endowed with 
powers of observation and discrimination, can the more readily 
learn what to do in cases of urgent necessity when guided by the 
principles of homoeopathy, than can the allopathist with his vague 
and uncertain generalities; still for any one to turn to practical 
account a work on medicine, written in the plainest and most un- 
conventional language, demands the exercise of keen observation. 
Many and varied are the indications which horses of varj^ing tem- 
perament and differing character exemplif>^ when the}^ first begin 
to feel ill. These indications will be referred to further on; but 
first let it be understood that having observed that something 
appears wrong with your animal, what should you do to make 
sure you have not formed a wrong impression; in other words, 

21 



22 VKTERNARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

how are you to proceed to determine first, whether there is any^ 
thing the viatter^ and second, what is it? In the early stages of 
disease, before any decided symptoms present themselves, there is 
nothing so surely indicative of prospective trouble as the exaltation 
of the internal heat of the body above that recognized as the 
normal standard; to enable any one to satisfy himself upon this 
point a cheap little instrument, known as the thermometer, is avail- 
able; it is so constructed that one portion of the quicksilver serves 
as an indicator which remains in position after use until shaken 
down; any instrument maker selling same will show a purchaser 
how to proceed if he does not already understand its application 
and use; most of these instruments are constructed on the Fahren- 
heit record, and, according to this, the normal or healthy standard 
is 98.5 degrees, and anything above 100 degrees must be con- 
sidered suspicious in the horse; a further test in a few hours 
should be made to discover whether the thermometer continues to 
rise, if it does so, then further developments must be looked for; 
this departure or variation in the temperature of the body from 
the normal standard of 98.5 degrees may be taken as a most sig- 
nificant indication of the development of disease, and no horse 
owners, especially those who have to rely upon their own unaided 
judgment in the management of their stables, should be without 
a clinical thermometer; in England a good one costs about twelve 
or fifteen shillings; not infrequently, in cases of simple fever 
brought on by extra exertion on a very hot day, the temperature 
will run up to 105 or 106 degrees rapidly, and, after proper treat- 
ment, recede almost as quickly; but, as a rule, a high temperature, 
say of 103 to 104 degrees that is maintained, means a serious ill- 
ness; if such proves to be the case, the regular use of the ther- 
mometer must be relied on at stated intervals, and, better still, at 
positively exact hours, say 8 o'clock in the morning and 8 o'clock 
in the evening. As a rule, under favorable conditions, the ther- 
mometer will register two or three decimals of a degree higher at 
night than in the morning. And so long as the instrument shows 
an uniform register for several days, it is fair to conclude that the 
crisis is not reached. Should the temperature rise still higher it 
generally leads one to conclude that matters are rather worse than 
better; again, if the thermometer shows a rapid fall in tempera- 
ture and registers below the 98.5 degrees, say 95 or 96 degrees, it 



DIAGNOSIS. 23 

is almost a certain indication that nature has entirely given way 
and death is at hand; but the most favorable indications, judged 
thermometrically, are when the temperature, after attaining the 
maximum, gradually drops a few decimals of a degree every day 
until the normal 98.5 degrees is again reached and nature's 
balance is restored. 

PuirSK. — Next to the temperature of the body as registered by 
the thermometer the state of the pulse ranks in importance; but 
considerable practice and experience is called for, otherwise too 
much may be made of certain indications on the one hand and too 
little on the other; it is hardly necessary to state that the pulsations 
of an artery indicate the contractions or beats of the heart, which, 
according to circumstances, may vary in rapidity within a given 
time; also in rapidity and degree between the beats; in hardness, 
softness, wiriness, or fullness, according to the amount of blood 
pressure; in the interval occurring between the several beats, 
whether regular or irregular, and, if the latter, in the form the 
irregularity assumes. The ordinary number of beats or pulsations 
in the healthy horse varies from 36 to 40, though occasionally a 
slow, heavy-dispositioned animal, who is not easily disturbed, may 
be found with a pulse of 32; on the contrary an irritable, nervous 
horse will have a normally healthy pulse of 45. This variation in 
character and mental impression in the horse demands thoughtful 
consideration and due allowance to be made when about to take 
the pulse; if the horse is naturally unconcerned and immovable 
no great caution is called for when approaching him for the pur- 
pose of testing the pulse; but if, on the contrary, he is naturally 
excitable and nervous it is well to spend a few minutes in gently 
talking to him with a view to gaining his confidence and allowing 
time for the heart, which has probably been considerably accele- 
rated in its action, to slow down to the condition in which it was 
before you entered the stall or box; by the exercise of such care 
only can you discover all you want to learn from the pulsation of 
the heart; and inasmuch as it is impossible for a layman to esti- 
mate correctly the difference in the various pulsations and the 
relative meaning of any variation from the normal standard so as 
to differentiate between a structurally diseased heart and one that 
is merely affected sympathetically, it would be wise of every horse 
owner, trainer and stableman to practice periodically the taking of 



24 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

the pulse in a health}^ horse, as he will be able at all events to dis- 
tinguish between a healthy pulse and one that indicates a dis- 
ordered state of the S3'stem, and this, after all, is about as much 
as a lay horseman can expect to attain to; there are three special 
things to be obser\^ed in taking the pulse, namely, the number of 
beats per minute, which in health will on the average be 36 to 40; 
the regularity in the time between one beat and the next; and the 
even state of the blood pressure in the artery rendering it uniformly 
compressible; the following variations from the normal may be 
observable, viz: hard and full; soft and full; intermittent; irregular 
as to compressibility; weak, thin, small, wiry, thread}^; oppressed, 
by which is understood a very full artery with a very in- 
distinct pulsation; and the hard, throbbing pulse, w^hich is sug- 
gestive of acute inflammation in some organ; finall}^ there is the 
exceptionally slow pulse, which, when present in an animal that 
has in health a pulse of normal speed and regularity, suggests 
brain disease. 

The artery, which is most usually selected for pulse taking, is 
that known as the submaxillary; it will be found winding round 
the angle of the jaw in company with the vein and the duct of 
the parotid gland, from which two vessels it must be distinguished; 
the artery is almost alwaj^s, if not invariably, found situate in 
front of the duct and vein, and will be found to be the most firm 
and elastic of the three; another artery which ma}'- conveniently 
be used for the purpose is the radial; it is situate higher up, inside 
the forelegs, and will be felt just in front of the elbow- joint by 
introducing the fingers between the leg and the breast; this artery 
is also accompanied b}^ a vein. The two central fingers, or the 
second and third, are the best to take the pulse with, and these 
should be laid transversely along the artery with just sufficient 
pressure thereon to enable the operator to observe the number of 
beats per minute, which should be told off with a stop-watch 
having a large second-hand. It is absolutel}^ necessary to care- 
fully distinguish between an artery and a vein, as in the latter no 
pulse is observable for anatomical reasons that do not call for ex- 
planation here, suffice it to say that it is the artery that must be 
relied upon. 

Another very satisfactory method of checking off the number 
of heart beats per minute is to have the near foreleg pulled right 



DIAGNOSIS. 25 

forward and place your right ear against the side of the breast, 
when you will distinctly hear the beat of the double heart; that is to 
say, you hear the closing of the valves of the upper part of the 
heart first, immediately followed by the closing of the valves of 
the lower half of the heart; these two sounds have to be counted as 
one in calculating the pulsations of the artery; but the plan affords 
a ver}^ nice check in case of irregularity of the pulsations and if 
the substance of the heart or its valves are at fault, it is the more 
readily observed by this method of auscultation or listening to the 
heart's sounds. In utilizing the pulse for purposes of diagnosis 
it must be borne in mind that while frequency of beat is always 
present in cases of acute fever and in inflammation of the internal 
organs, and may be relied upon as a certain indication of disease, 
provided the frequency is maintained for any length of time — say 
some hours — still it must be remembered that temporary altera- 
tion in the action of the heart may be brought on by violent ex- 
ertion, by excitement, or even by indigestion after partaking too 
freely of food on an empty stomach, as in the case of a hunter after 
a long day or a cart horse that has had many consecutive hours of 
work, all of which must be taken into calculation in estimating 
the importance and bearing of any deviation from the recognized 
healthy standard of the pulse. 

Respiration. — One of the first things that attracts the atten- 
tion of a practical horseman to the fact that there is something 
wrong with an animal, is that the horse is blowing, but it is very 
easy to attach either too much or too little importance to the ir- 
regular performance of this function; it has this advantage, how- 
ever, that whereas other indications of present or coming illness 
might easily be overlooked until well established, the acceleration 
of the performance of the act of breathing generally commences 
as soon as the horse begins to feel unwell, and in this way it 
serves as a warning to the stableman that some attention is called 
for; under such circumstances the first thing to do is to take the 
temperature and then the pulse; the best place to observe the 
number, and in a certain degree, the character of the respirations is 
the flank; the normally healthy horse breathes as a rule thirteen 
times in sixty seconds. While in health there is a fairly uniform re- 
lationship between the act of breathing and the pulsation of the 
heart, because of the interchange of chemical products which 



26 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

takes place between the air and the blood as the former passes in 
and out of the lungs, it is a singular fact that in disease this uni- 
form relationship is not maintained; for instance, in the earlier 
stages of a disease the pulse may have risen to 85 or 90 
beats per minute; the temperature stand at 105 degrees and 
the breathing be fifty respirations a minute; in the course of 
twenty-four or thirtj^-six hours the respiration may have dropped 
to 25 per minute, while the state of the pulse and tempera- 
ture are onh' slightly changed; or, on the other hand, the tem- 
perature might have dropped to say 103 degrees and the pulse to 
60 without any decrease in the number of respirations; from 
this fact it will be seen that uniformity of action on the part of the 
the heart and the lungs must not be always anticipated, nor need 
the absence of the uniformity cause too much anxiety; it is a 
proof, however, that nothing must be left to casual observation, 
nor must 3^ou allow 3'ourself to be misled b}^ the mere fact that on 
the one hand the horse is the better because he breathes less fre- 
quently, or that he- is no better because his respirations continue 
unaltered in frequency. It must also be remembered that the 
character of the act of breathing differs; on the one hand you 
have what is called abdominal breathing, this is effected by the 
contraction of the muscles of the abdomen and is most noticeable 
in the flank; again there is the chest breathing and whichever of 
these two classes of breathing predominates and are most clearly 
observable it indicates that the other is the seat of disease because 
the muscles of the diseased portion of the organism cannot act 
properh^ and so the burden of the respiratory act is thrown on the 
other part, namely, either the cavitj^ of the chest where the lungs 
are located, or the cavity of the abdomen, the part where the 
intestines are situated. There is one special form of breathing in 
the horse which deserves notice in passing because it serves as 
a distinct evidence of that condition known as ''broken-wind;''' 
the inspiration or act of drawing in the air, and the expiration or- 
the act of sending out the air are not regular, but spasmodic in 
expiration; this will be observed by noticing a line along the 
course of the flank as though the muscles were tightly drawn 
together every time the air is expired and this line is seen to move 
like a w^ave along its course with two distinct efforts of expiration; 
at the same time the horse is troubled with a peculiar cough; this, 



DIAGNOSIS. 27 

however, is only mentioned in passing; the fuller particulars will 
be gone into under the proper heading. 

When the abdominal breathing is very pronounced and you 
have therefore an indication that the thoracic cavity is the seat of 
the disease, namely, that either congestion of the lungs, or bron- 
chitis or pleurisy, or worse still, all three combined are present, then 
your attention must be given to find out by what is called 
auscultation, (or listening to the sounds) of the chest, by apply- 
ing the ear to both sides of the horse; the chest, roughly 
speaking, being included in that portion of the body which is en- 
closed within the ribs, and whereas the lungs occupy a consider- 
able space, they offer a rather large surface for examination, for 
which reason the ear should be carefully applied to various parts 
of the chest in order to be sure which portion of the lungs, and 
whether only one is affected, or both are. As recommended in 
the case of taking the temperature and the pulse, an amateur 
would do well to practice carefully on healthy animals so as to 
learn what the normal sounds of the chest are, and this will en- 
able him the more readily to discern anything out of the common 
when disease is present. It is very important that the operation 
should be practiced in a perfectly quiet place so that the attention 
of neither operator nor patient is distracted. As there would be 
no practical utilit}^ in going deeply and closely into a definition of 
all the recognized deviations from the healthy standard of breath- 
ing in the horse, and it will be sufficient for the purpose of this 
work to endeavor to explain two or three of the most noticeable 
departures from the normal, it is essential to a clear understand- 
ing that the sounds observable in health, should be explained; 
shortl}^, the}^ represent an even, soft murmur like the gentle rust- 
ling of thick foliage on a quiet summer's night listened to at a 
distance; the sound pitch is much the same during both inspira- 
tion and expiration, though it must be distinctly understood that 
between the two acts a pause takes place; the character of the 
sound has also been likened to that produced by gently rubbing 
two pieces of silk together. In contra-distinction to the soft 
respiratory murmur heard in a healthy animal, modifications of the 
same will be observable in disease; the sounds may be harsh and 
rough, suggestive of inflammation of the lungs; deep in tone, in- 
dicating the early stages of bronchitis when the larger tubes are 



28 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

first affected. Should this condition remain unchecked and the 
disease extend to the finer ramifications of the very small bronchial 
tubes the sound will become high pitched like a whistle pipe. 
Further the sounds may conve}^ the impression that the air is 
passing over something dry or that rough substances are being 
rubbed together, while on the contrary the sounds ma}' represent 
air bubbles passing through a liquid. 

The dry, grating sound is generally observed in the earlier 
stages of respiratory disease, and hence precedes the moist 
sounds; the latter suggest the presence of mucus, blood or pus in 
the cavities of the bronchial tubes. A still further modification 
in the respiratory murmur is a crackling sound like the breaking 
of small sticks; this again may be followed b}^ a gurgling or drip- 
ping sound like the dropping of fluid into fluid; these conditions 
are generally present in cases of pleuris}', and this diagnosis may 
frequently be confirmed b}- observing that the acts of inspiration 
and expiration are not regular as in health, but catchy, short and 
very irregular. 

There is still one more abnormality in the chest sounds, which, 
though very infrequent still involves such serious consequences if 
not recognized and properly treated, that passing notice must be 
granted it; reference is made to that sound which is represented 
better than anything else by the term cavernous, namely, like the 
sounds emitted from a hollow cavern in the rocks; and this des- 
cription is very appropriate as these particular sounds never occur 
unless a cavity, due to an abscess, is present in one of the lungs, 
the abscess being a sequel usuallj', though not invariably, to in- 
flammation of the lungs in the horse; one very unmistakeable char- 
acteristic of this condition is, however, almost always present, 
nameh', ^'stinking breath,'' which seems to impregnate the whole 
atmosphere of the stable. There are other sounds associated with 
respiration that have not immediate relation to the the lungs but 
ma}' be due to other parts of the respiratory tract or to the supply 
of nervous force thereto, such as grunting, roaring, whistling, 
coughing, broken wind, shortness of breath and so on, but it is 
not necessary to deal with these here, as they will, with sufficient 
treatment, have to be considered under separate headings, more- 
over, every practical horseman can recognize them without the 
necessit}' of any suggestions here. So far the consideration of 



DIAGNOSIS. 29 

aids to diagnosis, or how to find out what ails the animal, have 
been confined to temperature, pulse and respiration; now we must 
proceed to note other evidences of illness as they present them- 
selves in the patient; in other words, we want to get at the S3"mp- 
toms; not merely one or two of those most easily observed, but 
the totality, the whole of them; this is most important, and calls 
for the exercise of patience, time and keen observation. 

Assuming first that the temperature is high, say 104 or 105 de- 
grees, and the pulse and respirations rapid, it is fair to conclude that 
we have to contend with some disease in an acute form; next, we 
must, if possible, determine whether the whole system is involved, 
and if so, what class of disease we have to contend against, or 
whether some particular organ or organs, say the kidneys, or the 
liver, are implicated and the brunt of the disease settled therein; 
to assist one to form a conclusion as to which, if either, of the 
organs is invaded, we have in the case of the kidneys the condi- 
tion of the urine to be noted, examined, and perhaps tested by 
an analytical chemist if such an one is available, or if the liver is 
the chief seat of disease, the yellow color of the mucous mem- 
branes of the eyes, nose and mouth serve to point to this organ; 
moreover, in confirmation of this suggestion as to the liver, it is 
very frequently found that the faeces (or dung) are pale in color 
and very fluid in consistence, excoriating the surface of the skin 
wherever the faeces happen to touch; the urine, also, will be of a 
deep orange color; in addition to these objective symptoms there 
is a very important subjective symptom to be noted; on the right 
or off side of the horse just behind the ribs is the seat of a promi- 
nent portion of the liver, if you press this with the ends of your 
fingers you will be able to learn whether there is any pain or ten- 
derness of the organ, as the horse will tell you by flinching, or in 
an acute case by grunting; care, however, must be taken to dis- 
criminate between animals that are naturally touchy and do not 
care to be handled at all, otherwise you may be misled; should 
it be clear on pressure that pain is experienced, it is fair to assume 
that congestion of the liver is present. In further examining a 
patient it is well to look at the lining membrane of the nose and 
eyes and note the condition; whether it is dry or abnormally 
moist; whether the color is the healthy pink or whether on the 
other hand it is blue and leaden or of a bright vermillion, either 



30 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

of which is suggestive of mischief; proceed next to the glands 
between the jaws and also the parotid gland, which lies just be- 
hind either jaw from the bottom of the ears downwards, if the 
glands are clearly perceptible to the touch, being either hard and 
knotty, or soft, swollen and tender, it is clear that these symptoms 
will have to be taken into account. That portion of the poll, 
just between and slightly posterior to the ears, should be exam- 
ined, for when the injury known as '' poll evil " has advanced to 
the stage of suppuration (formation of matter), it affects the ner- 
vous S3^stem of the horse to such a degree that he appears very 
dull, heavy and generally ill, and no doubt feels so, and very 
much more than mere surgical interference is called for here; the 
same remarks apply with equal force to a case of fistulous withers, 
which are brought on generally by badly fitting saddles, and occa- 
sionall}^ collars; it is very important in such cases as these or in 
those affecting any other part of the body where injury has been 
sustained and serious inflammation set up, followed by suppura- 
ion (formation of matter), to regularly take the animal's temper- 
ature, as the formation of matter generally affects the whole S3^s- 
tem, makes the animal feel ill and unless properly treated with a 
remedy which is capable of arresting the formation of matter 
(pus) , serious consequences may and do frequently follow if such 
means are not adopted; and the body temperature is a guide to 
tell one whether the tendenc}^ to form pus is arrested or not; if 
not, the temperature will either continue to rise, or if previously 
high, will be maintained; on the other hand if it gradually falls, 
one is justified in the conclusion that the tendency to form pus is 
arrested, and that the existing abscess will speedily ripen and dis- 
charge itself and thereafter the cavity heal up; it may be well to 
remark in passing here, lest the idea should be conveyed that the 
internal administration of the suitable drug should be solely 
relied upon, that antiseptic local treatment may also be advan- 
tageously adopted; indeed it is absolutely necessary where, as in 
fistulous withers, the opposing walls of the sinus (or cavity), 
come constantly in contact, because the living organisms which 
certainly encourage the further development of pus require to be 
destroyed, hence the internal and the local treatment should go 
hand in hand. One is not less important and necessary than the 
other, if a rapid and complete cure is to be effected; it should, 



DIAGNOSIS. 31 

however, be distinctly understood that homoeopathic practi- 
tioners are alone able to apply this double-barrelled system for the 
simple reason that in such cases allopathists rely solely upon 
local and surgical treatment and indeed know nothing of the 
remedies homoeopathists use for arresting the formation of pus in 
the body. 

To proceed with your inquiry, it should be the aim to discover 
if the horse has any pain, and, if so, where. When the pain is 
located in some part of the abdomen (or belly), the horse more 
frequently than not lies down, rolls, all of a sudden jumps up and 
turns his head to one or other side, and, perhaps, if very acute, 
will snap at or try to bite the place where the pain is most severe; 
these are the methods the horse has of telling where the pain is 
situated, and, of course, it points to some portion of the intestinal 
tract (or gut), or to some organ, as kidneys, liver, spleen, etc., 
located in the abdomen and among the intestines, or it may be 
to the presence of a calculus (or stone) in the intestines; having 
this guide you will then be in a position to find out from other 
symptoms what has to be contended w^ith and how to proceed. 

There is one practice very common amongst veterinary surgeons, 
as well as stablemen, in cases that so frequently occur among 
draught horses which the author, from practical experience, 
strongly condemns, namely, the custom of keeping a horse con- 
tinually on the move when suffering from any pain that naturally 
induces him to roll. ^^ Keep him on his legSy'' the man says: ^'don'' t 
let him go down ! ' ' The author condemns the practice as absolute 
nonsense on the one hand and gross cruelty on the other, for by 
preventing a horse from rolling, you frustrate the only thing he 
can do to afford himself some measure of relief; by one's own 
experience when suffering from the ''belly-ache,'' it is quite certain 
that relief does follow a good roll, and if in the man, why not in 
the horse ? 

The advocate of the ' ' keeping on the legs ' ' principle will tell you 
that to allow a horse to roll involves the risk of a twisted gut; but 
where is the proof ? If a horse that afterwards died proved to 
have a twisted gut, it is most probable that the twisted gut was 
the cause of the pain and not the result of a roll while the pain 
was on; the ''twist" more than likely having been made when 
the horse was called upon for some extra exertion iu pulling a 



32 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

heavy load. No ! Whenever your horse has pain that induces 
him to roll, take off his halter and all his clothing, put him into a 
big, loose box, or open yard, where there is plenty of straw and 
let him roll to his heart's content, you in the interim watching 
that he does not get cast on his back, and doing what 3'OU can by 
the administration of suitable remedies, or rather a suitable remedy, 
to remove the cause of the pain. There is one very suggestive 
habit a horse has, particularly when he is in a loose box, if he is 
the subject of a calculus (or stone,) in the intestines, namely, 
that of pressing his hindquarters firmly against the wall, and all 
the while straining as though he were going to have a motion. 
Horses will frequently rest their heads sideways on the manger, 
or against the wall; in such cases look out for diseased molar 
teeth or brain disease; the former can readily be discovered by 
examination, and the latter may be partially confirmed if the 
pupils of the eyes are either very much dilated or contracted. 

Another very suggestive subjective symptom occurs when the 
horse poses himself repeatedly, as in the act of urination and 
probably strains as though he wanted to pass water which in all 
probability he does; in such cases the condition of the urine will 
furnish the confirmatory indication required. 

It is hardly necessary to state that the condition of the faeces (or 
dung) is an all important physical symptom which serves as a 
guide in many instances to disorders of the digestive S3^stem, and 
under this head it will be necessary to look for information herein, 
before deciding what to do. There is one point that almost invari- 
ably exercises the mind of a horseman; indeed the subject is one 
that causes great anxiety to almost all men, whether it effects 
themselves or their charges; we refer to constipation of the bowels; 
this matter will be dealt with in its proper place and merely in 
passing do we wish to draw your attention to the fact, because 
there really is no necessity in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred 
to be so wonderfully concerned if the excretion of the faeces is 
temporarily suppressed; how to get over this difficulty will be ex- 
plained under its proper heading, and it will be found that this 
object can be attained without the usually violent measures of 
purgation. 

Roughly speaking the foregoing are some of the most prom- 
inent indications by w^hich a horseman may discover what 



DIAGNOSIS. 33 

disease he has to refer to, and therefore the line of treatment to 
be adopted in cases of illness; much remains for him to find out, 
and there is a great call for the exercise of common sense; still it 
is hoped that this chapter, taken in conjunction with the list of 
predominant symptoms and the chapters specially dealing with 
each disease in the body of the work, will go very far to en- 
able one, who is a real observer, to alleviate the pains and suffer- 
ings which so frequently fall to the lot of the horse, especially the 
hard-working animal, that contributes so largely to the material 
prosperity of his owner, from whom he deserves the utmost care 
and consideration that an intelligent human being can lavish upon 
one who is entirely dependent for the most ordinary comforts of 
an existence upon his forethought and provision. 



THE STRENGTH of DRUGS and the DOSE. 



The subjects which we propose to treat of in this division of 
our work demand the careful and thoughtful consideration of any 
and all who would turn to best account the information we hope 
to offer to our readers and students; the term " strength of driigs " 
is here adopted not because it strictly represents the author's 
views or is by any means a correct description of the various 
pharmaceutical processes to which all drugs, other than those in 
the absolutely crude form, should be submitted by the honest hom- 
oeopathic pharmaceutical druggist; we repeat it is not because the 
term is a correct one that we use it, but because to the untrained 
mind of the layman it more nearly conveys the idea which he has 
been accustomed to accept as the explanation of the various 
potencies or attenuations which all who have accepted Homoeo- 
pathy as their law in medicine are acquainted with; at the same 
time we shall try and explain why we do not consider it a correct 
term to use, and further why it is calculated rather to mislead. 
It has been already stated that potencies and dosage have nothing 
to do with the law ' ' Similia Similibus Curantur, ' ' nor do they in 
the slightest degree bear upon the true meaning of the principle 
laid down by Hahnemann. This fact cannot be too strongly em- 
phasized by the author nor remembered too often by the reader; 
potencies and dosage are merely matters of experience; it has 
been found that all drugs, generally, and some more than others, 
are far more effective in their action — the same being more prompt, 
decisive and permanent — after being submitted to the various pro- 
cesses which will now be explained. In the first place let us 
point out that the homoeopathic druggist has to be mathemati- 
cally precise if he is to do his work correctly and according to the 
rule of the homoeopathic pharmacy; to this end two forms of 
calculation have been adopted in the reduction of drugs, the cen- 
tesimal and the decimal; these words explain their own meaning: 
and here it may be pointed out in passing, that although the term 

34 



THE STRENGTH OF DRUGS AND THE DOSE. 35 

^^ potencies " has so far been adopted, it is far too closely allied in 
meaning to the word ' ' strength ' ' to which we have already taken 
exception, to be further used; our object has been to gradually 
bring the student round to understand the application of the term 
"attenuation," upon which we shall hereafter rely in describ- 
ing the fractional minuteness and the infinitesimal quantity of the 
various drug preparations — and it is certainly not used here in the 
sense applied to it in the British Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia as 
indicating that the specific attenuation contains more or less of the 
crude material, but rather that it indicates the extent to which 
the drug has been attenuated, pulverized, dynamized and diffused, 
by which means its power has been developed: the prevailing 
idea that the stronger the drug is in the possession of its natural 
qualifications for producing specific effects on the healthy organ- 
ism, the better and more reliable it is for administration to the 
sick, has long been exploded, even among allopathists, if we are 
to accept their prescriptions as illustrative of their simple faith: 
but homoeopathists, especially those who possess faith enough to 
follow strictly all the tenets of their master, Hahnemann, have 
discovered that drugs in their crude, and therefore physiologically 
strongest condition, do not best serve the purposes of the healing 
art; indeed, those who are most skeptical on this point will 
admit the illustration which common Sulphur furnishes in support 
of this statement, for it is a well-known fact that this agent will 
pass through the system practically unaltered in its crude state, 
but after it has been submitted to the various processes of attenu- 
ation up to the thirtieth centesimal, and much higher still, the 
effects it will produce upon the system is simply marvellous; if 
with Sulphur why not any other drug 3'ou can name ? Some one 
may say that its inertness in the crude form accounts for this, but 
that argument does not seem to meet the case, as any one who 
will think for a moment will readily decide. Before offering our 
reasons for the greater utility of the attenuations which we claim 
to exist, we must hark back to a description of the processes the 
drugs should undergo that the student may the better appreciate 
the importance of obtaining the exact attenuation prescribed. 
For the sake of brevity and conciseness let it be understood that 
the drugs used in pharmaceutical preparations exist in two forms, 
the fluid represented by tinctures and the solid represented by 



36 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

powders or triturations; the vehicle used for reduction of fluids 
generally consists of alcohol, that for solids consists of sugar of 
milk: in preparing the liquid attenuations the process starts at a 
fixed standard, which in preparing from the vegetable substance 
the druggist understands how to fix uniformly and describes as 
the mother tinctures: from this mother tincture the centesimal 
and decimal scales are prepared; namel}', for the first centesimal 
from two to six drops of tincture are mixed with ninety-four to 
ninet3-eight drops of alcohol according to drug power of tinctures; 
for the second centesimal one part of the first centesimal (which 
is recognized by the plain figure of one) to ninety-nine of alcohol 
and so on from one attenuation to another until you attain the 
thirtieth or two hundredth; the same proportion is adhered to in 
the decimal scale, nameh- , from two to six drops of tincture are 
mixed with four to eight drops of alcohol according to drug power 
of tincture and so on through each series up to the thirtieth deci- 
mal, each attenuation being recognized by the marks ix, 2x, 3X, 
and so on as high as the preparation has been carried; a similar 
course of proceeding is adopted with the solids by weight, say 
ninety-nine grains of sugar of milk to one grain of the crude ma- 
terial for the centesimal scale, and nine grains of the sugar of milk 
to one grain of the drug proper for the decimal scale, and so on with 
each attenuation as high as the dispenser desires to carry it. But 
this actual measurement by no means exhausts the necessities of 
the process; the liquid attenuations have to be submitted to 
violent shaking or succussion; and the powders have to be sub- 
mitted to an exhaustive course of trituration or pulverization with 
pestle and mortar, according to distinct rules fixed by Hahne- 
mann, and even if these processes are carried far beyond the limits 
assigned by the great master no harm will come of them; it is 
better to err on the side of excess than the other way about; and 
to show why this is the case we will proceed to explain the 
advantage derivable from these various processes. During each 
progressive process of trituration the various particles of the 
medicinal agent become more finely divided, and the author is of 
opinion that not only is it to this very minute subdivision of 
particles that the agent derives its activit}^, but that it develops an 
inherent power not previousl}^ possessed; but w^ithout attempting 
to reason this out we will confine ourselves to the physical aspect 



THE STRENGTH OF DRUGS AND THE DOSE. 37 

and on this ground furnish a reason for a beUef in the greater 
activit}^ of a highly attenuated drug: we take it that no one will 
question the assertion that six, twelve or fifteen processes of trit- 
uration must of necessit}^ reduce the particles of a drug more and 
more as each process is effected, namely, that those particles of the 
drug in the fifteenth decimal attenuation would require a much 
higher power of the microscope to discern than do those in the 
third decimal, for instance; now let us consider in what way med- 
icinal agents so broken up are better qualified to do their work 
than those administered in their original state. To this end we 
must remember that the various parts and organs of the body are 
built up of tissues peculiar thereto; for instance muscle, fat, carti- 
lage, bone, nerve, etc.; each of these tissues consists of special 
elements varying in structure and density but in all alike, not- 
withstanding their various modifications as recognized by the 
naked eye, can be traced back as the starting point of their 
ultimate structure what is described in physiology as the cell, to 
discover w^hich one has to call in the aid of a microscope. 

Of these simple materials the body is built up, and before a 
drug can exercise its own peculiar power it must be rendered 
capable of penetrating the walls of these cells, the first elements 
of the tissues of the body; and whereas the cells themselves are 
so small, it follows as a natural consequence that drugs to per- 
meate or pass to them must be reduced to a condition to render 
such a process physically possible: to further illustrate our mean- 
ing, look what takes place in the vegetable world as ordained by 
the great power that made and rules the Universe; how do plants 
appropriate nutriment which comes to them through the media of 
rain, sunshine and air? It is generally acknowledged that this 
takes place through the leaves only, if you examine a leaf under 
a high magnifying power, you will observe that the surface is 
studded with thousands of minute openings; microscopic pores, 
and through these the rain has to pass if the chemical products it 
contains are to be utilized as nutriment; can a drop of rain pass 
through these ? Certainly not ! But nature has her methods and 
plans of attenuation ; each drop of rain the size of a pea can be 
broken up into millions upon millions of molecules, and this is 
effected in the form of dew or condensed vapor; so fine, indeed, 
that the moisture in this form can freely pass through the micro- 



38 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

scopical orifices on the surface of the leaf and thus reach the 
primar\' elements of plant life; what says the " Word'' on this 
subject: "J/;' doctrine shall be as the rain, My speech shall distil 
as the dciv as the small rain npon the tender herb. ' ' If such min- 
ute provision has to be made in nature's laborator}' for the appro- 
priation of ordinary nutriment in the vegetable world, should it be 
cause for surprise that at least a similar amount of care and 
trouble is called for in the animal world when the healing of the 
sick is concerned! 

We hope that this simple illustration will serve to point a lesson 
as to the necessity of the careful attenuation of drugs and that the 
importance of this pharmaceutical process, peculiar to the homoeo- 
pathist, will be fully appreciated. Some persons have an idea 
that animals require stronger medicine, and very much more of 
it at a dose, than do human beings, ph3'siologicalh'. We cannot 
now, nor ever could, see a reason for this, and experience cer- 
tainly does not confi.rm the suggestion. Some allowance cer- 
tainl}' is made, as a matter of practice, for size and bulk of body, 
but whether it is absoluteh* necessary, is open to considerable 
doubt. 

The adoption of the word ' ' strength " ' in its application to the 
various processes of attenuation is apt to mislead because it con- 
vej's the idea only of the relative quantity of the crude drug 
present in the preparation; for instance, a remedy such as Arsejii- 
cuvi marked 3. means that the preparation contains the one mil- 
lionth part of the drug arsenic; in other words, it has been sub- 
mitted to three processes of trituration on the centesimal scale; take 
Arsenicum 6x, this, like the former, contains the one millionth part 
of the drug arsenic in its composition, but it has been submitted 
to six processes of trituration under the decimal scale in conse- 
quence of which the arsenic in this form must be worked up to a 
much finer state than the sample that has only been triturated 
three times, and according to the author's belief, which is based 
on practical experience, this sample under the decimal scale pos- 
sesses powers of action which that under the centesimal cannot 
have, inasmuch as the latter has only been triturated three times. 
So far for the attenuation of drugs; we will now pass on to the 
dosage. 

As a rule to the larger animals such as the horse, it is usual to 



THK STRENGTH OF DRUGS AND THE DOSE. 39 

administer from ten to fifteen drops per dose whatever the at- 
tenuation, being guided more by the condition of the malady — 
whether the same is acute or chronic — than by the precise at- 
tenuation of the drug. In very acute cases such as those of 
simple fever brought on by exposure to the sun on a very hot day 
in which the temperature runs up rapidly as high as io6 degrees 
or even 107 degrees — though the latter is considered extremely 
suggestive of danger — the drug may satisfactorily be given in the 
crude form, when ten drops should suffice; but these are rare 
cases, and we may possibly account for their useful administra- 
tion in this form from the fact that the excessively high tempera- 
ture renders the tissues more susceptible and hence better capable 
of appropriating the remedial qualities of the drug, but as soon 
as a turn takes place, the drug should be given in gradually 
higher and higher attenuations, and this same principle applies 
with equal force when the malady to be treated is not of so acute 
and exalted a character, and the ordinary attenuations of 3X or 
6x as prescribed in the body of the work are administered in the 
earlier stages of the case; it will be found extremely useful to 
commence with these and as convalescence is becoming established 
to administer the same drug in a higher attenuation, by which is 
meant, commencing with 3X then 6x and finish off with I2x. 

In all cases therefore, where the dose is not referred to under 
the various prescriptions given it should be understood that ten 
minims (or drops) of a tincture and ten grains of a powder (or 
trituration) are the doses to be given. In cases of acute illness 
the repetition of such doses must depend upon the seriousness of 
the case and the nature ot the malady. If the animal is in very 
acute pain, the doses may be repeated as often as every quarter of 
an hour for a time until some relief is obtained, after which the 
intervals between the doses may be extended to an hour, three 
hours and so on, but in ordinary cases of illness three or four 
doses daily at intervals of four hours are sufficient. 

In administering these medicines the tinctures are best mixed 
with a small quantity — say a wineglassful— of quite clean water; 
rain water that has been filtered is the best if it is not practicable 
to obtain distilled water; if the latter is available, by all means use 
it; a strong soda water bottle is far the most useful instrument for 
drenching the horse with, because the glass does not absorb the 



40 vete:rinary homceopathy. 

essential quality of the drug used, and can readily be cleansed 
with very hot water; moreover these bottles are made of glass 
that is so hard and tough they will even bear the force which a 
horse can exercise with his jaw without breaking: horns are very 
frequently used for the purpose but cannot be recommended 
because their porous nature decidedly favors the absorption of 
whatever agent is used, and whereas the homoeopathically pre- 
pared drugs are very sensitive their influence may easily be neu- 
tralized by coming in contact with what has been previously 
administered from a vessel made of horn. 

Great care must be exercised in the use of triturations, not to 
administer remedies of lower attenuation than are prescribed 
herein; in all such drugs as arsenic, mercury, copper, etc., noth- 
ing of a lower attenuation than the third decimal should be used, 
otherwise a poisonous dose may easily be given: it must be 
remembered that the third decimal attenuation is equivalent to 
one part of the crude drug in a thousand parts of the attenuated 
powder, while in the second decimal scale one part of the crude 
drug is contained in a hundred parts of the triturated powder; 
were one to give continuous ten-grain doses second decimal of 
such dangerously powerful drugs as arsenic and mercury serious 
and quite unlooked for consequences might be the result. There 
is still another side of this question bearing upon the influence the 
process of trituration has upon certain agents like sulphur, which 
in the crude form are practically inert, there is no doubt that this 
process wakens up a sort of new energy and acquires for them a 
physiological activity which in their natural condition was quite 
dormant so far as their influence upon the animal organism is 
concerned; gold, silver and flint are further illustrations of this 
kind of agent, in whose case it is not the lower attenuations that 
have to be guarded against so much as those of a higher order; 
hence it is important that those, who practice according to the 
information laid down herein, should allow themselves to be 
guided by us as to the attenuation to be relied upon in specific 
disorders: it is moreover peculiarly interesting to note what the 
effects of these pharmaceutical processes upon different drugs are, 
because they serve to entirely upset the theory that drugs are 
most efficacious in action when used in the crude form as is the 
custom of the allopathic practitioner; undoubtedly, from a busi- 



THK STRENGTH OF DRUGS AND THE DOSE. 4 1 

ness point of view, the higher attenuations of all drugs prepared 
strictly according to the rules laid down by Hahnemann for the 
guidance of the pharmaceutical druggist, are worth more pecu- 
niarily than those of a lower scale, and the druggist should be 
paid more for them; their proper preparation involves an immense 
amount of labor and hard work, which it is quite unreasonable to 
expect a druggist to expend if he is not paid for it : we are strongly 
of opinion that pharmaceutical druggists are not without blame 
themselves for not demanding suitable remuneration for work of 
this sort, but on the other hand they have grave difficulties to 
contend with in making their customers rightly appreciate the 
matter, until it has come to this that only druggists of high 
standing who value their reputation more than their banker's 
account, can be confidently relied upon to strictly adhere to the 
pharmaceutical rules aforesaid; to this most unfortunate fact may 
be attributed the failure and disappointment so often heard of at 
the meetings of medical societies when practitioners are favoring 
their professional brethren with all and sundry of their experi- 
ences, whereupon no little discredit devolves on the devoted heads 
of those who through good and evil report are staunch to the true 
faith; in a very large number of instances failure is due in prac- 
tice to indifferent pharmacy; and for this indifferent pharmacy a 
stingy, mean short-sighted public is mainly responsible, while at 
the same time close-fisted medical practitioners do much to render 
the druggists' experience a very sorry and disappointing one, b}' 
becoming their own dispensers; hence the importance of seeing to 
it that drugs are purchased of those whose word may be relied 
upon, and of never failing to elicit from the druggist that the 
remedies sold are strictly in accordance with the prescription. 
The author feels that he is justified in going somewhat closely 
into this matter of attenuation, because of the important bearing 
it has on clinical (bedside) results, and in again reiterating its 
importance, it is felt that it will not detract from the urgency of 
this branch of the subject when it is borne in mind that Dr. Car- 
roll Dunham, one of the most scientific and successful physicians 
the United States of America ever knew, was one of its most 
strenuous advocates: the author in his practice among the lower 
animals, owes much of his success to information gleaned from 
this learned man's writings, and it is with feelings of personal 



42 VETKRINARY HOMOEOPATHY. 

gratification that the present offers the opportunity to present an 
humble but earnest tribute of acknowledgment and indebtedness 
to his revered memory. 



ARRANCxEMENT OF DISEASES. 



To facilitate a ready reference to the malady of which a horse 
is temporarily, the subject, is now our object and, the difficulty of 
realizing this in a simple way, so that he who runs may read, is 
not easily overcome; the list of ''suggestive symptoms,'' it will, 
it is hoped, materially aid the horseman to discover under what 
classification of diseases the malady is to be found; a large pro- 
portion of these ' ' suggestive sy7?iptoms ' ' will be found to refer to 
various maladies and at first sight this may strike the student as 
somewhat perplexing; but this condition of affairs is .simply un- 
avoidable, because the same symptoms do regularly appear in 
different maladies. This is one of the obstacles which the allo- 
path, who in his superior way has never condescended to make a 
study of the principles of Homoeopath}^, can never surmount; the 
obstacle however, is by no means so insurmountable as he (the alo- 
path) would feign believe, the whole crux of the matter is summed 
up in the word totai^ity. Having made a list of all the symp- 
toms observable it will be found that while three or four of these 
are each present in some half dozen or more maladies, there 
is still one more symptom which is only found in one of these 
said half dozen maladies and this will be the disease you will 
have to study. For instance, you will find staring coat, quickened 
breathing, rapid pulse, heightened temperature, constipated bowels 
urine very high colored and diminished in quantity in no end of 
maladies and were these or but one of these symptoms taken alone 
the prescriber would find it difficult to suggest a remedy, but take 
them as they stand and you have a picture of common simple 
fever, at the same time they one and all may be observed in a 
very large number of maladies that present not only these but 
one or more symptoms which you must discern before 3'ou can 
prescribe, hence it becomes absolutely necessary to carefully trace 
the various symptoms presented by the patient from one diseased 
condition to another until you find the group under one malady 

43 



44 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

and to this reference must be made for the treatment, and from 
the description of the disease thereunder some idea can be formed 
as to organs or parts that are affected. To the uninitiated the 
process may at first seem a trifle wearisome but practice will soon 
clear the course and render comparatively easy that which at first 
seemed like chaos. 

There are some forms of disease which appear to affect in greater 
or less degree the whole system of the horse, those which pro- 
perlj' come under this classification will be described under the 
heading of Generae, while others localize themselves in special 
organs and in the course of description these will be referred to 
under the various Tracts, Organs or parts specially affected. 



GENERAL DISEASES. 



SIMPI^K FEVER. 

This malady, as the name indicates, is a febrile condition affect- 
ing the whole body generally; and is distinct from that kind of 
fever which accompanies or presages an inflammation of some 
special organ, such as the I^ungs, Kidneys or Intestines; here the 
fever is the diseased condition itself — unassociated with any special 
part or parts of the animal system; the fever is the prominent 
feature that has to be combatted; this once allayed and there is no 
necessity to anticipate any bad after consequences. 

Symptoms — Heightened Temperature varying from 104 degrees 
to 1 06 degrees. Quick strong full pulse ; more frequent respirations ; 
legs cold; shivering fits; staring, harsh coat; loss of appetite; increase 
of thirst; bowels irregular in action, tendency to slight constipa- 
tion; less urine passed than usual, and what there is appears high 
colored. 

Treatment. — Aconite five drops every hour for three doses, 
when temperature will probably drop two degrees in a few hours; 
after which Aconite 3X ten drops at intervals of four hours will 
serve to complete the cure and in five or six days the horse will 
be convalescent; theclinical thermometer must be frequently used, 
as the internal heat must serve as a guide to indicate the patient's 
progress; after the early and sudden decline the temperature 
usually subsides gradually. 

If the legs are very cold they should be dry hand rubbed to 
arouse the circulation, and thereafter a flannel bandage, not too 
tight, put on; the rubbing and the bandaging being periodically 
renev/ed. As soon as the body temperature begins to subside the 
horse will evince a desire for food, which should be of a light and 
easily digestible character, administered sparingly at first; the 
thirst will all along be observable, and to slake this to his heart's 
content the horse should be furnished with a constant supply of 

45 



46 VETERINARY HOMCBOPATHY. 

cold water. Should the temperature have risen very high, viz. 106 
degrees or 107 degrees, and the subsidence after the first fall has 
proved very gradual, convalescence when attained will be followed 
by marked weakness and exhaustion; the horse will require building 
up, to effect which it will be better to administer two doses of 
Sulphur ^o. for two successive evenings, to be thereafter followed 
wath ten drop doses of China 9 night and morning, for a week; 
by this time the powers of assimilation will be restored, and the 
full benefit from the food will be derivable and experienced. 

BILIOUS FKVKR. 

This is much like the last malady affecting more or less the 
whole system, while at the same time the force of the fever ap- 
pears to be centered upon the liver; the duct which should convey 
the bile to the intestines is blocked and cannot effect an exit; the 
bile, as secreted, is then thrown back upon the organ; it passes 
through the walls of the bile tub 2s and thence through those of the 
hepatic arteries and is conveyed over the w^hole body by means of the 
circulation of the blood; this is how it happens that the mucous 
membrane lining the mouth, nose and eyes, and not infrequently 
the skin of white animals, takes on such a yellow appearance. 

Symptoms. — Precisely as in Simple Fever, with the addition of 
the yellow appearance of the visible mucous membranes. 

Treatment. — Aconite 3X in the early stages; Arsenicum 6:k. 
gr. x to a dose; when lining membrane of eyes is particularly 
yellow; when the stool looks light colored and the food is not 
digested; w^hen the horse drinks a little at a time but very fre- 
quently; and when he appears alternately depressed and irritable. 

Bryonia 3X. Pain on pressure over seat of liver; seems to ex- 
perience pain in limbs when moved; lips and tongue yellow, dry 
and cracked; bowels constipated, faeces dry and hard, as though 
burnt or scorched. 

Mercurius Cor; 3X gr v. to a dose; when the yellowness of 
membranes extends to the skin and is very pronounced; motions 
colorless, grey or whitish, with considerable straining both before 
and after relief; breath smells very foul; urine scant}^ and of browm- 
ish red color having a foetid smell. 

Eupatorium perfoliatum, ix. — The chief characteristic for the 
selection of this drug in Bilious Fever is the violent bone pains; if 



strangi.es. 47 

you handle the horse about the shanks and pinch them between 
your fingers he will give evidence of pain by flinching; or, again, 
press the ends of your fingers into the bones of the face and he 
will soon show 3^ou how much it hurts; in such cases, taken in 
conjunction with the symptoms previously enumerated, this may 
be accepted as a leading indication for Eicpatorium Dr. Dun- 
ham discovered the difference between this drug and Bryonia in 
cases of bilious fever, and came to the conclusion that in Bryonia 
the perspiration is free, while in Eupatoriiun it is suppressed. 
Eupatorium is suitable when the patient is restless and uneas3\ 
Bryonia when quiet and apparently depressed, or rather unable to 
move. 

Nux vo7?iica, jx. — When the region of the liver externally is 
hard and swollen; horse refuses all food; when symptoms are 
aggravated, early in the morning; constipation with frequent un- 
successful urging and straining to effect a stool. 

Leptandra Virginica, ix. — The principal indication for the 
selection of this drug is the condition of the stool; when this is 
frequent, urgent, black, tarry in consistence and color, pappy and 
smells badly, resort should be had thereto. 

When convalescence is attained Sulphur jo and China may be 
used with advantage as suggested under simple fever, and the in- 
structions under that heading as to diet, et cetra, should be 
followed. 

STRANGLES. 

This malady is more particularly associated with young horses, 
and in our experience it has proved communicable from one young 
horse to another; at the same time the disease is not restricted to 
adolescence, as horses of all ages are liable thereto; but while 
adult horses do not appear so likely to be infected by association 
with one of their own period of life that is the subject of strangles, 
young horses, until they attain the age of four years, are more 
readily infected from an aged horse than by one of their own 
years; at least this is our experience; and it is well known that as 
is the case in most infantile diseases, one attack does not protect a 
horse from a second or third, although in the majority of horses 
one attack in a lifetime suffices, while a few seem to escape en- 
tirely. Strangles is much more likely to prove infectious in a 



48 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

large stud where the surrounding sanitar}^ conditions are bad or 
only imperfectly provided against, and where the numbers of 
young horses are kept in close proximit}'; in studs where large 
numbers of valuable 3-oung horses are kept as soon as strangles is 
developed the sufterer should be isolated and his box immediately 
disinfected. 

The term strangles derives its origin from the fact that it con- 
sists of a more or less extensive swelling of the glands in the 
region of the throat, or at the back of the tongue, which unduly 
presses upon the windpipe, the effect of which is to choke or 
strangle the patient. 

Strangles is recognized as belonging to the class of eruptive 
fevers, more or less affecting the general constitution, but center- 
ing itself upon the glandular system, particularly those large 
glands which are situated between the under jaws, among which 
large and painful abscesses are developed, accompanied with very 
decided febrile sj'mptoms; the temperature often rising to 105 
degrees, or even higher, before the crisis is attained. This crisis 
is generalh" reached when the abscess is fully matured and ready 
either to burst of itself or be discharged by operative surgery; 
after this period is reached the febrile s^'mptoms abate and the 
temperature gradually descends; but if b}^ careless treatment, such 
as exposing the abscess to a cold draught, or allowing too much 
time to elapse between the application of the necessary poultices 
the maturation (or ripening) of the abscess is dela3'ed, or fresh 
and unfavorable constitutional symptoms are developed, other 
abscesses may break out over the bod}' and it will be found that 
the temperature is beginning to rise again, when the febrile con- 
dition. will assume an altogether different t^'pe, not improbably of 
a septic character involving great trouble and no little risk to the 
animal's life. 

Symptoms. — Inability to swallow food; running at the nose; 
cough, rough but feeble, as though it gave much pain; frothy 
saliva dripping from mouth; head poked straight out in an aim- 
less manner; temperature 105 degrees or more; pulse rapid; 
respiration not so urgent as in many febrile conditions; sometimes 
not affected in frequency, but a great roaring noise is made both 
in inspiration and expiration. The space between the jaws, 
where the glands are situated, is much swollen and very hard and 



STRANGLES. 49 

occasionally extends to those glands at the back of the jaw bones, 
when the swelling is diffused and the whole head is affected. 

Treatment. — Isolate into a large, airy box, free from draughts 
of cold wind; keep body warmly clothed and legs bandaged with 
flannels; food nourishing but sloppy; crushed oats well steamed, 
mixed with boiled linseed ; a plentiful supply of barley water made 
with pearl barley in the ordinar}^ way. 

Local applications should consist of well prepared poultices of 
linseed meal, or boiling water poured over spent hops, either of 
which should be enclosed in a gauze bag to fit the parts, covered 
with a piece of oilskin over which and to support the poultice a por- 
tion of horse rug or several thicknesses of close house flannel should 
be used. The poultices should not be allowed to get cold, and 
should be changed three times in twenty-four hours. The change 
should be effected rapidly, but before appljdng a fresh poultice 
the parts should be gently bathed with hot water containing a few 
drops of Condy's Fluid, so that the parts may be kept sweet and 
clean. 

By the aid of internal medicines three or four days will generally 
serve to mature the abscess, which will be recognized as ripe by 
its softness, when it may be left to discharge itself or be opened; 
unless a veterinary surgeon is at hand to advise, the former is the 
safer course from all points of view; if allowed to spontaneously 
discharge, as soon as it has burst, the whole abscess should be 
gently squeezed and thereafter washed clean with a soft sponge 
and hot water medicated with Condy's Fluid; after which poultic- 
ing should be continued until the whole of the matter is discharged; 
and to complete the cure the parts should be dressed with 
powdered Iodoform and still kept covered up with medicated dry 
cotton wool until the orifice is healed. 

Internal^ Treatment. — In the first instance, while the 
fever is developing and the temperature rising Acoyiite jx for one 
day; to be followed by Hepar^ sulphur 6x ten grains dry on the 
tongue four times a day at intervals of four hours. This is all 
that will be required for simple or benign strangles, but should 
the more dangerous symptoms be developed already referred to, 
and fresh swellings containing matter (pus), spring up over the 
body, which are sugge.stive of blood poisoning a change in the 
remedy mu.st be made; and not improbably the animal will give 
4 



50 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

evidence of such decided constitutional debility as to call for the 
administration of some stimulant, such as good, sound old ale 
mixed with beef tea, or raw eggs beaten up and mixed with wine 
or whiskey, while the most suitable remedy will probably be 
found in Lachesis 12, ten drops every four hours. Some careful 
nursing will in all severe cases of strangles, especially those in 
which the more serious symptoms supervene, be found essential, 
to facilitate which the administration of China twice a day will 
afford material assistance. 

INFLUENZA. 

The designation adopted to describe the various forms of illness 
which are supposed to be included thereunder, is a very ambiguous 
and unreliable one; in olden times Influenza w^as presumed to ex- 
press a feverish cold in the head attended with an irritating fluid 
discharge from the nostrils which by some was considered infec- 
tious, by others not so; as at present used, however, the term has 
to cover a much wider area, inasmuch as it affects at one time the 
respiratory organs, at another the digestive organs, while j^et 
again it may centre its force upon the nervous system. 

In one form the United States and Canada, in 1872 and 1873, 
experienced a visitation of a very virulent type of this disease 
while Great Britain and various localities on the Continent of 
Europe have, on several occasions, had outbreaks of a serious 
character and under varying conditions. 

Probably the chief feature of each type is the extreme prostra- 
tion experienced by the patient, and in most there is a distinct 
soreness of the muscles and a pronounced disinclination to move; 
dullness, and a sort of " care nothing for anything " attitude is 
very marked, especially when the malady is thoroughly estab- 
lished; the surface temperature of the body as revealed to the 
touch is extremely variable; the lining membrane and the tissues 
thereunder of the eyes are very swollen and suffused with red 
streaks, tears trickling freely from the corners over the face; the 
membrane lining the nose is intensely injected; the internal tem- 
perature rises to 104 or 105 degrees; the pulse is rapid but small in 
volume and weak in force; the respirations are regular but much 
more frequent than they ought to be; the mouth is usually 
excessively hot, and the saliva hangs therefrom in long, ropy 



INFLUENZA. 5 1 

strings; when the force of the malady is fixed on the respiratory- 
organs auscultation of the chest right in front under the wind 
pipe will reveal a rough, grating sound, which suggests a compli- 
cation in the bronchial tubes; when these symptoms are develop- 
ing the horse will have a harsh, rough cough, which apparently 
causes no little pain and inconvenience. As a rule the faeces are 
dry and difficult of expulsion, but when the motions begin to 
take place, the drug pellets will frequently be covered with pieces 
of mucous membrane, commonly described by stablemen as 
** skin;''' the urine is mostly scanty and high colored. One very 
marked characteristic of the disease is the extensive swelling of 
the legs down their whole course; this is due to w^hat is termed 
an infiltration of the connective tissues, and as a result of this 
swelling the horse experiences general stiffness and soreness; the 
swelling in horses (males) not unfrequently extends to the penis, 
along the abdomen, to the under portion of the chest; if the 
swellings are not reduced, w^e have seen cases w^here a mixture of 
blood and serum appeared to ooze through the pores of the skin, 
which, of course, clearly indicated that the effusion of fluid 
under the skin and among the muscles and tendons was so exten- 
sive it could not be retained, notwithstanding the swelling and 
elasticity of the parts, and must, therefore, find an outlet some- 
how; when the fever seems to exercise its force on the windpipe, 
bronchial tubes and lungs, the difficulty of breathing is much 
more marked; the nostrils are dilated and the heaving at the 
flanks is very noticeable; moreover the horse invariably evinces a 
desire to put his head over the box door presumably to get fresh 
air; the nasal membrane instead of being bright red, assumes a 
purple or leaden hue, and the secretion is generally thicker and 
more glutinous; the internal temperature will rise as high as 
106.5 or 107 degrees, and the animal evinces more marked pros- 
tration than ever; if the earlier developments of bronchitis are 
not arrested the disease will progress until inflammation of the 
proper substance of the lung tissue is established, which may be 
discovered from the greater difficulty experienced in breathing; 
by the various sounds observable on auscultation (listening) of 
the chest over the sides where the ribs extend, which, of course, 
only a properly qualified and experienced veterinary surgeon can 
discern; however, if inflammation of the lungs does supervene, it 



52 VETERINARY HOMOEOPATHY. 

is generally attended by the discharge through the nostrils of 
blood which will serve at all events as an indication for the selec- 
tion of a suitable remedy. 

In addition to these chest and lung complications we have, not 
unfrequenth% to combat such as attack the digestive organs, and 
these, while sometimes occurring independently, do frequently 
follow those already indicated, and that, of course, at a time 
when the system is very low and unable to combat any additional 
strain upon its recuperative powers; it is probable that of all the 
abdominal organs the liver is the one that first feels the effect of 
this Influenza Fever, as is evident by the extremely yellow color 
of the visible mucous membranes; the first thing that draws the 
attention of the horseman to the fact that the disease has settled 
itself upon the digestive organs is the indication of pain in the 
bowels, the horse will lie down, roll, get up again, look around at 
his flanks; and whereas, during the earlier stages of the disease, 
he refused to do anything but stand, he is continually now lying 
down, at the same time restless and ill at ease; manual examina- 
tion of the body over the region of the liver will point to distinct 
tenderness; the faeces are sparing in quantity, dry and coated with 
mucus; the urine is more than ever scanty, very dense in sub- 
stance, and highly colored; if there is any alteration in the pulse, 
it is more wiry, and as before pointed out, the respirations will be 
thoracic, (or from the chest,) because the pain is chiefly exper- 
ienced in the abdomen and breathing is therefore effected so as to 
relieve the painful parts; the tongue also serves as a very useful 
indicator, inasmuch as it will be found to be swollen, will pit on 
pressure, and is pulpy to the touch, while the mouth is constantly 
full of sticky saliva; the temperature is generally not so high, as 
in the respiratory form, so that as a sequel to respiratory compli- 
cations a fall from io6° to 104° cannot under these conditions be 
deemed favorable: this is one of the few exceptions when a de- 
crease in internal temperature cannot be relied upon, as indicative 
of convalescence; but as the fall does not steadily continue but 
will be maintained at 104 degrees for some days there will be no 
difficulty in recognizing that the first drop was not an indication 
of convalescence, but rather a change of attack on the part of the 
malady. It is pretty well agreed by those competent to form an 
opinion that Influenza or Grippe as the malady has been some- 



IXFLUKNZA. 53 

times designated, is more likely to spread over a stud of horses, 
when the stable accommodation is too cramped and limited, and 
the surroundings are of an unsanitary character; such circum- 
stances also seem to favor an outbreak; we have no doubt as to 
the infectiousness of the malady, not only from horse to horse, but 
also from horse to man. 

These conclusions point to the desirability of isolation so soon 
as an outbreak is recognized, to avoid as much as possible an ex- 
tension thereof; this, however, may not always be successful in 
stopping its spread, if the theory that atmospheric conditions favor 
the development of the malady, be reliable; nevertheless no harm 
can come of the precaution, and it is always best, from an econo- 
mical point of view, to adopt preventive measures, especially such 
as sanitation and common sense suggest. 

Complications affecting the intestines and other abdominal 
organs, if not successfully combatted, very often develop typhoid 
symptoms, especially when stables are overcrowded, and these are 
the cases that usually prove fatal; but even these with homoeo- 
pathic remedies available should show a marked diminution in 
mortality over the ordinary allopathic treatment as there are sev- 
eral drugs specially suitable for these conditions that are not 
recognized by orthodox medicine. 

Treatment. — A large, well ventilated, loose box well supplied 
with fresh air and light serves as the best hospital for a horse sick 
of Influenza; the bedding should be of sawdust for preference, and 
if of straw it should be cut short to enable the horse to move 
about without obstruction, he by reason of stiffness and soreness 
being unable to Hft his legs off the ground in the ordinary way; 
the supply of fresh water should be constant and the trough 
swilled out many times during the day to wash away any accumu- 
lations of saliva; the food must be of the lightest, most easily 
digestible and nourishing description, making allowance for 
stimulants when other food is not taken in sufficient quantity; the 
food being given, a small quantity at a time and oft repeated, care 
being taken to frequently cleanse the manger as there is no doubt 
in our mind that the ropy saliva which is a peculiar secretion of 
this disorder is calculated to retard recovery when re-mixed with 
fresh food and allowed to accumulate in the manger from time to 
time; as the surface temperature is so variable in this disease it 



54 VETERINARY HOMCeOPATHY. 

must be maintained at ?n equable standard by warm clothing to 
the body and legs, and this clothing should be removed at least 
three times a day and the horse be rubbed down with gentle 
friction before replacing same; to avoid the risk of chill one man 
on either side should be engaged in dressing him that the process 
may be got through with as little loss of tims as possible and the 
clothing put on again before the animal has had the chance of get- 
ting cold. The administration of medicinal agents must be ar- 
ranged according to the special s^'mptoms. 

Aconite, jx. — This remedy always comes first in these diseases 
that are ushered in by decidedly febrile indications, and in man}^ 
cases of influenza great benefit is derived from its early adminis- 
tration as it serves to abort the fever, and in this way cuts short 
the further developments; but, as a rule, a horse is fi-equentl}' 
allowed to go beyond the stage when Aconite is useful before the 
nature of the malady is discovered. 

Arsenicum iodide, jx. — This remedy is peculiarl}^ efficacious in 
those cases of influenza when the predominant symptoms are run- 
ning at the nose and eyes; great prostration and weakness; tem- 
perature 104 degrees; pulse feeble and frequent; respirations 
urgent; thirst gratified only by small, but very oft-repeated 
draughts of water; appetite precarious and uncertain; very pro- 
nounced swelling of legs. Dr. B. M. Hale, of Chicago, a well- 
known homoeopathic physician and literateur was one of the 
first to test this remedy on his own horses, during one of these 
epidemics in the United States, the results of which were emi- 
nently satisfactory, and to this gentlemen we are indebted for 
drawing our attention to the specification of the drug under cir- 
cumstances when these symptoms chiefly prevailed in a stud of 
horses we were attending. 

Gelsemium, ix. — There are several very characteristic symp- 
toms which occur in influenza for which this drug, in the earlier 
stages, is peculiarly appropriate; we have proved it on several of 
our patients and on one occasion with marked success on ourselves 
when we believe we had been infected from inhaling the breath of 
a patient that presented these particular symptoms; they are, very 
marked swelling of the ej^elids, to the extent of absolutely clos- 
ing the visual opening; there are indications of marked pain in 
the head b}^ the dull, heavy expression of the animal's face as 



INFLUENZA. 



55 



though there were great oppression of the brain; the horse seems 
unable to control his movements, the legs being powerless or even 
paralyzed; there is also evident giddiness. Under such circum- 
stances this remedy may be given in the earlier stages in the place 
of Aconite, and it will be found that under its influence a temper- 
ature of 104 or 105 degrees, will, in the course of tv/elve hours 
drop down to 102 or loi degrees. In our own experience it acted 
in this manner, and seemed to fairly abort the threatened malady 
by lowering the temperature most effectively. With regard to 
this remedy we believe the honor of introducing it into practice 
properly belongs to Dr. E. M. Hale, of Chicago. 

In cases wherein the disease extends its influence to the bron- 
chial tubes and proper substance of the lung^ Bryoyiia and Phos- 
phorus^ or such other remedies as will be found prescribed under 
chapters on bronchitis and pneumonia should be administered and 
to these we must refer the student. Much the same ma}^ be 
stated with regard to those complications which affect the intes- 
tines and abdominal organs; at the same time special note may 
be made of the following remedies, viz: 

Nux vomica, jx. — When the fever is maintained and the horse 
gives evidence of chilliness and shivering; hard cough, accom- 
panied with breaking of wind per rectum when the horse coughs; 
want of appetite and constipation of bowels attended with strain- 
ing to obtain relief. 

Rhus toxicodendron, jx. — The horse evinces great disinclination 
to move, but when he does, stretches his limbs as though to ob- 
tain relief from the aching pain; lies down and stretches, then 
rises again; tip of the tongue will be red as compared with other 
parts of the organ, and the internal temperature will rise higher 
at night but falls slightly in the morning; movement seems to 
afford relief, which is the exact opposite of Bryoiiia. 

Oxygen gas. — This, from the standpoint of a homceopahist, can 
hardly be described as a therapeutic agent, its administration must 
be included under the head of sanitation; in many cases of influ- 
enza, and indeed, other diseases as well, the animal, notwithstand- 
ing the most assiduous nursing and careful prescribing, seems to 
gradually become more depressed and unable to stand up against 
the ravages of the invading malady. A something in the sur- 
roundings seems to be wanting; the vitality of the sj^stem appears 



56 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

to be gradually ebbing away, and the prominent symptoms affect- 
ing, especially the respiratory organs, become more and more 
urgent, neither remedial measures nor stimulants produce any 
appreciable effect for the better. These conditions probably owe 
their existence — it may be said their overpowering existence — to 
the fact that the vitalizing influence of the ordinary atmosphere is 
by reason of its fixed constitution not equal to burn up and destroy 
the immense quantity of effete material with which the blood 
stream is loaded, consequently the blood becomes more and more 
effete in quality, and nature is thwarted in her efforts to restore 
an equilibrium. What is required ? Our reply is oxygen ! We 
are indebted to our friend Edwin Faulkner, Esq., M. R. C. V. S., 
of Manchester, England, for first drawing attention to this agent 
and its marvelous utility under such conditions; in his experience, 
and since in our own, it has proved a veritable life saver; and 
although it is rather expensive treatment, and the administration 
demands considerable care, where valuable horses are concerned 
these are matters of no moment. 

In England oxygen gas is manufactured for sale in large quan- 
tities and supplied in strong cone-shaped iron cylinders, which 
contain a given measurement of the gas, the size most suitable 
for veterinary purposes being that which costs about sixteen 
shillings; each cylinder is supplied with a brass tap to which may 
be attached an india rubber tube; a leather nose-bag having been 
adjusted to the horse's head the aforesaid tube is introduced to 
the bottom of the bag, just under the horse's nostrils, and the tap 
is turned on sufficiently to allow a gentle stream of the gas to pass 
continuously for a period of twenty minutes into the bag and so 
pervade the atmosphere which the horse is inspiring; this, ac- 
cording to the greater or less urgency of the case, should be 
repeated three, four or five times every twenty-four hours. As a 
rule marked improvement speedily supervenes upon this procedure 
as evidenced in the first place by the calmer performance of the 
respiratory functions and the lowering of the internal temperature. 
In this manner the ordinary provision of nature, as determined by 
the fixed law of atmospheric composition, has been super-added to 
by the aid of chemistry and the conditions surrounding and affect- 
ing the body of the patient are reduced to submission; nature is 



INFLUENZA. 57 

now in a position to avail himself of strictly therapeutic assistance 
and effect a complete restoration to health. 

Eucalyptus, 0. — Still another valuable agent must be referred to, 
which under some conditions is capable of acting therapeutically, 
while at others it appears to act chemically, in virtue of its disin- 
fecting properties; it is more with regard to the latter that w^e 
propose to advocate its use in stables where a number of sick 
horses are from force of circumstances necessarily kept together; 
the apparently volatile character of the organisms or germs, 
through the medium of which influenza is spread from place to 
place, or by which one animal is the medium of infecting another, 
makes it desirable, nay imperative, that no effect should be left 
untried that may possibly tend to arrest the progress and further 
development of the infective virus; this result may frequently be 
attained by the agent, Eucalyptus, now under consideration; as a 
disinfectant and deodorizer it may very usefully be used in a stable 
b}^ means of a spray diffuser. The mother tincture will, when 
used in this way over the general area of the stable until the 
whole surrounding atmosphere of the building is impregnated, 
(which may be determined by the excess of the aromatic over 
other smells,) serve at a small expense and little trouble to pre- 
vent healthy animals from falling victims to the malady and will 
facilitate the cure of those already the subjects of treatment. 

Antimonium tartaricum , 6x. — When the cough is loose though 
attended with a good deal of oppression and apparent difficulty; 
thick lumps of soft gelatinous looking mucus will be discharged 
from the nose while the animal is undergoing a fit of coughing. 
The exertion of coughing evidently shakes the animal, this is 
suggestive of stomach complications for which the remedy is 
eminently suited. 

Lachesis, 30. — When the swelling down the legs and along the 
abdomen persists and increases ultimatel}^ resulting in the oozing 
of drops of blood and bloody serum tlirough the skin. If tiiis 
remedy does not act promptly and within six hours give distinct 
evidence of arresting this hemorrhage it should be substituted by 
Cro talus, 12. 

Under such serious conditions the remedy should be adminis- 
tered frequently, at least once in every two hours, and inter- 
mediate between the doses stimulants should be given, probably 



58 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

nothing is better than Scotch whiskey and milk in suitable quan- 
tities according to the strength of the patient, Yar3'ing from one 
to fiYe fluid ounces of whiskej^ in an equal quantity of milk. 

ERYSIPELAS. 

This is an acute febrile disease affecting the whole thickness of 
the skin and the underlying parts; it, as a rule, diffuses itself 
OYer a wide area; there is much general swelling and pain and 
the evidence of its presence is shown by the hot red shining con- 
dition of the inflamed skin upon and within which a number of 
very small blisters which contain a yellowish fluid mixed with 
blood may be observed. In the human subject it is described as 
a contagious disease, but by some eminent authorities on horse 
pathology it is not considered capable of propagation from one 
animal to another. Without wishing to arrogate too much to our- 
selves we are distinctl}^ of opinion that it is innocculable from one 
horse to another, and therefore we should consider it might prove 
contagious especially if some of the exuded serum from one pa- 
tient comes in contact with an abraded wound on another animal. 

The disease as a rule commences to develop at the fetlock joint 
or hock and spreads in an upward direction covering the whole 
superficies of the leg; on this account it may be distinguished from 
lymphangitis (or Aveed) Avhich usually commences at the upper 
portion of the limb and spreads as it descends. So far as swell- 
ing, heat and tenderness occur in weed they resemble erysipelas, 
but the skin in tlie latter is generalh' a brighter red, more shin- 
ing and tense, while in weed we do not find that tendenc}^ to 
form little vesicles and sloughing sores that are generally present 
in er3'sipelas. 

Symptoms. — The first indications are similar to those observed 
in many other febrile diseases, viz: Exalted temperature, full 
and rapid pulse, quickened breathing, staring coat, mouth hot and 
clammy, loss of appetite, breath very unpleasant, much prostration 
and waste of the muscular tissues. The local symptoms are, at 
first, slight swelling from which a 3'ello\vish fluid exudes; the 
swelling gradually extends over the limb, which as a rule is one of 
the hind ones; as the swelling increases the affected parts will pit on 
pressure but the indentation will fill up again soon after the finger 
is removed; if this condition is not arrested by suitable treatment. 



ERYSIPELAS. 59 

the parts soon become so full of fluid under the skin, that the 
latter is firmer and no impression can be made on it; this is the 
period in the development of the disease when large numbers of 
small vesicles will form, ostensibly to relieve the parts from the 
pressure of the accumulated fluid; should this proceed to sup- 
puration or the formation of matter (pus), the skin will become 
dead in patches and peel off and in very severe cases it has been 
known to penetrate to the muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints 
the consequences of which may be very serious, leading to stiff 
joints or even to death; but under homoeopathic treatment, with 
ordinar}^ care and attention, results such as these should be un- 
known. 

Treatment. — Aconite, ix is the most useful remed}^ to com- 
mence with when the fever is very high at the outset, the skin 
dry and hot, the pulse full rapid and bounding, and when giddi- 
ness excitability and nervousness are evinced and the horse can- 
not bear to have the parts touched ; if taken in time this remedy 
will not infrequently abort further developments and complete the 
cure. 

Apis Mellifica, 3X. — This is a peculiarly efficient remedy in the 
more superficial forms of the disease, when the swellings contain- 
ing fluid are spread over a greater surface and do not form the 
small vesicles (or pimples), and when the parts are not particu- 
larly red and shining; there is one special symptom to guide in 
the selection of Apis, when the horse coughs as though the throat 
were rough and dry, nor does he care to drink to relieve the dry- 
ness; the urine also is scanty and very high colored; the remedy 
has been found very efficacious in those forms of the disease which 
arise as the result of a wound or injury; a general diffused swell- 
ing of the eyelids, as though fluid was dispersed under the skin 
which may arise independently of or in conjunction with erysipelas 
in other parts points distinctly to this drug as the suitable remedy. 

Belladonna, 3X. — The leading indication is the smooth, bright 
red, shining condition of the skin, the oedema (or swelling) is not 
so considerable as that for which Apis is suitable, but the parts 
are hotter and more tender to the touch; that peculiar symptom 
referred to on several occasions, throbbing pulse of the carotid 
arteries also serves to determine in favor of Belladonna^ as does an 



6o VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

intolerance of light; the horse will poke his head into any corner 
to get away from the window or open door, 

Cantha7'is, 3X. — It is well known that local physiological mani- 
festations from the use of this drug are pimples, vesicles and 
pustules; but erysipelas like many other pathological develop- 
ments is often accompanied by symptoms in the organs or parts of 
the body which do not seem to be associated, at the same time 
when the}^ appear together and form a totality of present symp- 
toms the one remedy cures the lot; so it is in the case of Cantharis 
in erj^sipelas when the urinary organs are affected at the same 
time, there being a constant desire to pass water, but ability only 
to do so a few drops at once; itching, however, is 7iot a predomi- 
nant symptom; the affected parts rather feel hot and burning; 
the pimples are large and flat containing a good deal of their fluid 
serum, and the vesicles burst readily. 

RIuis toxicodendron, 2x. — One of the chief remedies in vesi- 
cular erysipelas, especially if the near hind leg is attacked and 
thereafter it extends to the off leg; the surface of the skin is very 
red, burns to the touch, swells considerably, and the vesicles are 
small and numerous; itching is intolerable, as the horse will give 
evidence of by rubbing the legs together or against the sides of 
the box. 

These are the principal agents that are likely to prove effectual 
in checking the spread and further development of this disease; 
the internal administration of the drugs, which must be selected 
according to the totality of the symptoms, will be rendered more 
rapidly effective if also a local application consisting of one part of 
the mother tincture of the selected remedy is mixed with two 
parts of glycerine and three of water and applied to the skin with 
a soft brush twice or three times a day. As the febrile S3'mptoms 
are usually very pronounced, and the waste of muscular tissue is 
in consequence considerable, the most nourishing and easily 
digestible food must be given, and in conjunction therewith dur- 
ing convalescence nothing better than China ten drops night 
and morning can be combined to give tone to the system and pro- 
mote assimilation of nourishing diet. 



GLANDERS AND FARCY. 6 1 

GLANDERS AND FARCY. 

These terms serve to describe manifestations of one and the 
same disease in different parts of the body: they are both due to 
one and the same specific virus (or poison); the term glanda^s is 
apphed when the recognized symptoms pecuhar to this malady 
are developed and observable in the lining membrane of the nose, 
the glands between the under jaws, the upper portion of the air 
passage, the windpipe and lungs; and farcy when the disease 
locates itself chiefly in the lymphatic vessels which accompan^^ the 
course of the veins as they travel down the legs, the hind legs 
being more often the seat of attack than the fore; these lymphatic 
vessels are swollen and hard, and at intervals small enlargements 
like buds on a young branch in trees are observable; it is a very 
common thing for stablemen to speak of any enlargement of the 
hind legs, accompanied by a diffuse swelling and discharge of 
sticky fluid as belonging to a horse that is *' farcied;" this, how- 
ever, is a misappropriation of terms, if by this word it was in- 
tended to convey that the horse was the subject of ''farcy'' 
proper. 

In describing this disease we shall be understood to convey the 
impression that we are dealing with one whose characteristics are 
most malignant; it is capable of transmission from one horse to 
another by immediate contact, by which we desire to convey the 
idea that the discharge from the ulcers peculiar to this disease if 
brought into contact with an abraded surface on the skin or 
mucous membranes of another healthy horse will reproduce a 
similar condition, the virus (or poison) having found its way into 
the system through the medium of the general circulation of the 
blood; moreover we would go further and state our belief that the 
morbific material is capable of transmission from one horse (dis- 
eased) to another (not diseased) through the media of food, 
water, litter via the digestive canal. Again we are strongly of 
opinion that the virus of this divSease may be conveyed from one 
animal to another through the atmosphere; that is to say, it is 
considered to be volatile; not volatile in the sense that chemists 
use the term, but that the poisonous substance is so finely divided 
into the most minute particles that it becomes capable of trans- 
mission from one place to another — to say nothing of one horse to 



62 VETERINARY HOMOEOPATHY. 

another — on the wings of the wind; and this is by no means a 
fanciful fiction, as minute portions of lung tissue are acknowl- 
edged by physiologists to be regularly expelled at each act of 
respiration, and it requires that no great demand should be made 
upon the ordinary intelligence of man to appreciate that at each 
expiration active disease organizations should be convej^ed, which 
may still further be distributed by atmospheric currents, and 
become inhaled through the breath into the lungs of a healthy 
horse, from thence into the fluid stream and thus become devel- 
oped like new seed upon fresh soil. To go closely into detail 
into the patholog}', modes of propagation, incubation and special 
characteristics of this disease, would in a work of this kind, be a 
waste of time and energ}^; the main thing in the first instance 
that has to be impressed upon the minds of the probable readers 
of this book is the extremely infectious and contagious character 
of the disease; too much cannot be said upon this point, nor can 
any horseman be too much warned against the serious conse- 
quences of letting his charges once come near enough to a subject 
of the disease to risk their becoming contaminated; in Great 
Britain and various countries on the Continent of Europe the 
losses sustained through the dire effects produced by this awful 
disease cannot possibly be estimated, so rapidly infectious is it 
W'hen once established, while at the same time its approach is 
occasionally most subtle by reason of the length of time it may lie 
latent or undeveloped in the system, so far as external manifesta- 
tions are concerned. Without doubt the first thing an owner has 
to do who recognizes that he has a case of glanders or f arcj- in his 
stable is to isolate such an animal, and the isolation stable should 
be situated at a considerable distance from that ordinarily used for 
healthy horses; moreover it is not less important that the stable- 
man whose duty it is to attend a glanderous patient should be 
kept strictly to his one job, and under no circumstances allowed 
to go near other health}^ animals; the box or stable occupied by 
the infected animal up to the time of the discover}^ that it was the 
subject of glanders or farcy, should be immediately disinfected by 
first burning powdered sulphur on a charcoal fire, every door, 
window and aperture in the place being stopped up, the process 
to be activeh^ carried on for at least two hours; thereafter the 
walls and paint should be carefull}^ scraped and the refuse there- 



GI.ANDERS AND FARCY. 63 

from burnt, the walls and partitions being thoroughly washed 
down with a solution of corrosive sublimate consisting of one part 
of the drug dissolved in five hundred parts of boiling water; this 
being completed and the place dry, the walls should be thoroughly 
lime- washed and the wood- work repainted, after which the stable 
will be fit for habitation once more; pails and all stable utensils 
previousl}^ used for the affected animal must be also subjected to 
a similar disinfecting process; the man who attends the diseased 
animal must either subject his clothes, more particularly the outer 
garments made of vrool, to disinfection or better still have them 
burnt before he ventures to appear in the ordinarj^ stable; if these 
precautions be taken, and nothiyig less stringent zvill do, then the 
propagation of the disease may be arrested; but if the affected 
animal was in a stable in compan}^ with other horses which so far 
present no outward manifestation of disease, such horses must in 
the interest of the owner, be subjected to the Mallein test here- 
after explained, to determine whether they are any or all the sub- 
jects of the disease in a latent, outwardly undeveloped form; if 
they are, then they also must be isolated and treated as we shall 
direct further on. As experience has taught that in a very large 
number of cases considerable time elapses between the reception 
into the animal system of the virus (poison) of glanders and the 
manifestation or outward development of the characteristic symp- 
toms it is a most important matter to understand how the presence 
of the disease may be determined; but thanks to recent research 
in Great Britain and on the Continent of Europe, a fairly — if not 
absolutely — reliable test has been discovered of a simple character 
that an}^ intelligent horseman can put into practice after being 
supplied with the proper agent; in England veterinary practi- 
tioners are mainly — if not entirely — indebted to Professor Mc- 
Fadyean, of the Royal Veterinary College, London, for introduc- 
ing Mallein, the agent referred to, to the notice of the profession, 
and further still for preparing and keeping up the supply for those 
members of the profession who are putting Malleix to the test: 
Professor McFadyean in conjunction with one or two other 
members of the teaching staff at the college have put Mallein to 
the test in a large number of cases — somethini^ Hke one hundred 
and fifty we believe — and as the result the professor gives expres- 



64 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

sion to the following opinion in the ^^ Journal of Comparative 
Pathology and Therapeutics''' for March, 1893, viz: 

* ' The very numerous observations that have now been pub- 
lished at home and abroad regarding the action of Mallein appears 
to warrant the following conclusions: 

1. " If in any horse that presents symptoms exciting a sus- 
picion of glanders or that is known to have been exposed to the 
infection of glanders, an injection of Mallein raises the tempera- 
ture from about the normal (under 10 degrees) to 104 degrees 
and produces a marked inflammatory reaction at the seat of in- 
jection that horse may be pronounced ^ g lander ed.^ 

2. *' If in such a horse an injection of Malleifi determine a 
marked local reaction and an elevation of temperature equal to 2 
degrees, that horse may be pronounced ^ probably glandered.'' 

3. "In horses that have already a febrile temperature (102 de- 
grees or over) the temperature reaction after Mallein is inconstant 
and unreliable as a guide to diagnosis. 

"It only remains to be added that the local reaction deserves 
to be called * marked' when the swelling extends for three or four 
inches from the point of injection." 

It is now necessary to explain for the right understanding of 
the reader that Mallein is prepared by what is called cultivating 
the virus (poison) of a glandered horse, the virus being found in 
the discharges from the nose and eyes and this is cultivated from 
one growth to another in the Pathological Laboratory until it is 
sufficiently attenuated for use, and ma}^ be obtained sometimes in 
the fluid form and sometimes in the dry as is exemplified by w^hat 
is described as Foth's ' Dry Mallein ' nor does there appear to be 
any difference in the reaction of the two samples; presumably 
the dry sample keeps the best. The usual quantity used at one 
inoculation is 2^ cubic centimetres of the fluid preparation which 
should be injected with a chemicall}^ clean subcutaneous s^Tinge 
that has been rendered properly aseptic under the skin of the 
neck; probabl3^ no better method of rendering the syringe aseptic 
can be adopted than plunging the various disconnected parts into 
boiling water and there holding them for a few minutes, after 
which they can be put together and used : the middle part of the 
neck measuring both the length and depth of same, is the best 
place to select for the operation; this of course is the point w^here 



GLANDERS AND FARCY. 65 

the local swelling referred to b^^ Professor McFadyean takes place 
after the Mallein has been injected, which swelling has to be 
measured both as to its length and breadth to determine in con- 
junction with the rise in temperature, whether the horse is prob- 
ably the subject of glanders. With respect to the observations to 
be made with the thermometer, it will be necessary to take the 
temperature six hours before the injection of the Mallein, at the 
time of the operation, and every six hours thereafter, until thirty- 
six hours has expired from the time the Mallein was injected, on 
which occasions also the measurements of the local swellings must 
be taken; each of these particulars must be registered in detail; if 
the register of the temperature shows that the thermometer has 
risen from 100 to 103 degrees or higher, and the local swellings 
extend an average of five or six inches both ways, then it is pretty 
safe to condemn the horse as the subject of glanders, and he must 
at once be isolated; but if during the period of thirty-six hours 
following the injection the temperature rises onl}^ one degree or a 
fractional part thereof the evidence is not sufficient to warrant the 
conclusion that the horse is the subject of glanders; the test 
operation should be repeated a week after. 

It is perhaps hardly necessary to state that if the services of a 
professional veterinarian are available, it is far better to entrust 
such an one with the performance of the test operation; on the 
contrary if one is not within reasonable reach, the Mallein should 
be obtained through some reliable wholesale druggist who may be 
trusted to obtain the proper agent from the right source. 

The next question that has to be considered is how to form a 
conclusion from symptomatology that a horse is affected with 
glanders and to this end we will oft'er a list of the principal guid- 
ing 

Symptoms, and to do this satisfactorily it is almost necessary 
to divide them into two classes, namely, the acute and the chronic: 
we shall take the acute first: the temperature will be considerably 
exalted; the pulse quick and rather soft, the respirations rather 
more frequent than is usual in health; the coat has a generally 
unthrifty appearance and feels harsh to the touch, dry and stands 
up on end; the animal speedily loses condition, and becomes 
wasted and thin; the urine is rather increased in quantity and has 
little or no color; the mucous membrane of the nostrils is of a 
5 



66 VKTKRINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

dark leaden hue, on which will be observable, very shortly, small 
patches about the size of a pea, which to the eye seem to contain 
a yellow fluid, the margins of which are surrounded by gray zone 
this yet again encircled by a red areola; after a few days these 
pimples or patches develop into open ulcers with ragged edges 
which discharge from their centres a sticky matter (pus). The 
glands between the jaws are swollen and hard, and after a time 
become attached to the surrounding parts and immovable; these 
glands are as a rule very tender, and the horse does not like to 
have them pressed upon or squeezed; the lips and outer wings of 
the nose become swollen, and upon them ulcers sometimes form 
which discharge purulent matter; in consequence of the swelling 
and thickening of the upper internal parts of the nose and some- 
times the larynx of the throat, the breathing is considerably 
interfered with and assumes a snuf&ing character which is gen- 
erally accompanied by a cough, soft and painful; if not arrested 
in the earlier stages the lungs are rapidly implicated and symp- 
toms of bronchitis and pneumonia supervene, after which the 
horse soon gives evidence of rapid decay, the appetite fails and the 
breathing is more distressing; the legs commence to swell, the 
cords and buds of farcy appear and the animal speedily succumbs. 
The symptoms of chronic glanders, by reason of the subtle 
invasion of the virus are more slowly developed and not so easy 
of recognition; the disease may be thoroughly established in the 
horse's system for many months before the more obvious symp- 
toms declare themselves; all the same, however, the horse so 
affected is a centre capable of disseminating the virulent poison; 
these occult cases, as a rule, are affected chiefly in the lungs, and 
it has frequently been a matter causing us no little surprise on 
making a post mortem examination that the horse had not given 
more distinct evidence during life of the pathological conditions 
that had evidently been progressing for months in the lungs, and 
at the same time no visible symptoms had presented themselves; 
we once knew a case qf this sort which was productive of the most 
painful consequences to the owner and his friends: the gentleman 
owned a horse that was in regular hard work; he purchased a 
three year old filly and put her into the next standing to the old 
horse; the following day after her purchase he thought she would 
be better for an alterative ball, and administered it himself, in doing 



GI.ANDKRS AND FARCY. 67 

which he grazed the back of his hand against a sharp molar tooth; 
in a few days the young mare and the owner both developed all 
the signs of acute glanders; in six weeks the owner after a most 
painful illness died: the old horse meanwhile developed a suspic- 
ious cough, and as the young mare died shortly after her master, 
it was suggested that probably the older horse was the origin of 
the outbreak, and he was accordingly slaughtered; there was no 
evidence of the disease in any part of his body except the lungs, 
and these to the pathologist were a sight to wonder at, this case 
furnishes a description of one kind of chronic glanders occasion- 
ally met w4th: the more common cases are those in which the 
animal presents an unthrifty looking coat, whose appetite is 
capricious and uncertain; that one day appears fairly bright and 
well while on another it is depressed and indolent; the glands 
between the jaws are very hard, much enlarged and adherent to 
the jaw bones, not necessarily very tender, but generally rather 
so; there may or may not be a discharge from the nose and one or 
more ulcers may be developed rather high up in the nasal chamber, 
left side for preference, but the lining membrane of the nose 
almost always displays that very significant blue or rather slate 
color; with regard to the discharge from the nostrils and the char- 
acter of such discharge it is necessary to be observant, otherwise a 
case of nasal catarrh or ozcena may be mistaken for glanders; the 
discharge varies in character as the disease progresses, being first 
rather thick and viscid, from which it changes to a decidedly 
purulent discharge not unfrequently mixed with a little blood, or 
it may still alter its character by assuming a very green color; it 
is quite true that under the worst conditions the character of the 
nasal discharge cannot be accepted as positive evidence of the 
presence of glanders virus, but it is certainly very suggestive and 
serves as a very good indication for the adoption of the Mallein 
test; there is probably no more correct indication of the presence 
of chronic glanders than the up and down variations of the in- 
ternal body temperature; if the horse appears dull and unwell and 
the temperature be taken regularly two or three times a day for 
three weeks consecutively, considerable variations will be reg- 
istered; one day the thermometer will stand at 104 degrees, an- 
other 10 1 degrees, yet again to 104 degrees, then fall to 103 
degrees, and again to 100.5 degrees, and so on from one day to 



68 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

another, all the while the animal will have a capricious appetite 
and present alternating indications of depression and renewed 
vitalit}"; the urine is generally very much increased in quantity 
and lacks its normal color. 

Farcy is recognized b}' the swelling of the legs, especially the 
hind ones, diffuse and general, attended with marked heat and 
paui; the course of the lymphatic glands and vessels is soon 
marked out by these standing out beyond the more general swell- 
ing in well developed cords and buds; these buds become verj^ 
prominent; they are painful, swell more and more, then burst and 
discharge the matter peculiar to this disease, leaving deep ulcers 
with ragged edges. 

We believe that the foregoing list of symptoms will, at all 
events, serve to enable a horseman to determine if he has a suspic- 
ious case of glanders or farcy in his stable, and if this be the case the 
next procedure in his own interests is to subject the suspect to the 
Mallein test, or if that is really not available then the practice of 
auto-inoculation may be resorted to, which consists of the follow- 
ing operation: shave off the hair in the middle of the neck about 
three inches square in extent; carefully wash the surface of the 
parts with carbolic soap and dry with a clean cloth; take a sharp 
scalpel or knife previously held in absolutely boiling water for 
two minutes, make a very slight incision of one inch long but 
onh' suf&cientl}^ deep to exude about one or two drops of blood; 
with the point of the knife take a small quantitj^ of the discharge 
from one of the ulcers present on the nose or leg, and gentl}' rub 
the same into the incision; if the horse is the subject of the malady, 
the S3^mptoms already developed will become intensified, and the 
temperature will probably rise 2 or 3 degrees, and the seat of 
inoculation will swell considerably. 

In England and on the Continent of Europe the prevailing 
impression among allopaths is that glanders is an absolutely in- 
curable disease, and as in pleuro-pneumonia among cattle, the 
stamping out process is in vogue, and the law is so framed that it 
steps in to enforce these regulations; it is certainly an exhibition 
of great weakness and impotence on the part of the veterinary 
profession that such steps should not onh^ be rendered necessary, 
but should be encouraged by the profession as a bod}-; at the 
same time we cannot overlook the fact so long as a glandered 



GLANDERvS AND FARCY. 69 

horse is allowed to mix with others, so long is it a source of risk 
to the healthy, by reason of the virulent and infectious nature of 
this disease; moreover while the disease is considered by the lead- 
ing lights — to say nothing of the rank and file — of the profession 
to be incurable, and therefore no efforts are made to effect cures, 
it would seem as though no other course but the stamping out 
process is available in countries w^here these views prevail. Never- 
theless while it may seem extremely presumptions for one indi- 
vidual to firmly adhere to views diametrically opposed to those 
held by an overwhelming majority of a learned profession, we 
venture to assert that in our opinion glanders and farcy are cap- 
able of being cured just like any other disease, and we can dis- 
cover no valid reason why glanders should be an exception to the 
general rule; moreover we have good and sound reasons for 
believing that cases of glanders have been repeatedly cured; and 
by this we do not mean apparently cured, as may sometimes appear 
to be the case in consequence of the healing of the ulcers and sores 
on the nasal membrane, leaving a cicatrix behind as evidence of 
the same, while at the same time the virus of the disease remained 
in the system, and the horse was as much a medium for the spread 
of infection as ever he was; we mean an absolute cure, the virus of 
the disease to all intents and purposes dead and positively inactive, 
in which the capacity for infection no longer exists, the living 
organisms (bacteria) starved and incapable of carrying on their 
direful effects upon the horse's constitution; all this we confidently 
assert may be effected, the whole allopathic profession notwith- 
standing, by means of properly selected homoeopathic remedies; 
and in passing we venture to allude to what we believe to be the 
terrible moral responsibility which rests upon the medical profes- 
sion for ignoring homoeopathic practice, as a sort of forlorn hope 
if for nothing else, in cases of this dire disease on the human sub- 
ject; certainly no harm could come of a trial with a homoeopathi- 
cally selected drug in a disease which is generally admitted to be 
absolutely incurable by orthodox practitioners; without doubt 
orthodox practice is impotently helpless in combatting glanders, 
but that is no reason why men should be allowed to die, when 
successful treatment is available and within the*' ken "of any 
practitioner who will condescend to seek after it; we have no hesi- 
tation in averring that many men have been convicted of murder 



70 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

. ou much more slender charges than could • be brought against 
some medical men who have allowed cases of glanders in the 
human subject infected by glandered horses to die because know- 
ing of no cure in orthodox practice they would not seek a cure 
from the despised (?) Hahnemannians. 

We have already affirmed that by means of homoeopathic treat- 
ment glanders may be cured; one of the agents used isglaiiderinum^ 
which like Mallein, is the attenuated virus of the disease; such 
remedies are described as nosodes, they have in this and other 
diseases such as tuberculosis (tuberculin, the nosode,) proved 
remarkably effective in bringing about cures when all other drugs 
have failed, and the administration of these has been extremely 
disappointing; glanderinum, however, is invariably reduced to a 
much higher attenuation through the method of preparation 
adopted by homoeopathic druggists than is Mallein, and we be- 
lieve that to Dr. Swan, of New York, is due all the honor for 
first bringing into prominent notice this and similar preparations; 
hence the followers of Hahnemann who consider the administra- 
tion of nosodes to be strictly within the homoeopathic law can 
claim to have recognized the value of the principle involved in 
the use of such agents long before the discoverer of Mallein, long 
before Professor Kock with his much vaunted tuberculin; long 
before Pasteur with his anthrax protective inoculations; this is a 
very interesting fact and not less true than interesting, because it 
serv^es to show how much the homoeopathist is in advance of the 
allopathist in everything that appertains to scientific research. 
Glanderinum is most probably quite as effective in curing glanders 
as Mallein is in detecting the presence of the disease; but the 
question at once arises, why does not Mallein cure sometimes ? 
To this question we reply by giving in extenso an article from the 
'''Journal of Comparative Pathology a?id Therapeutics,'' of June, 
1893, edited by Professor McFadyean of the I^ondon Veterinary 
College, from which it appears that under given conditions it does 
cure; the article is a reprint from " Berliner Thierarztliche Woch- 
ejischrift,'" and is headed '' The Curative Effect of Mai^lein 
IN Gi. ANDERS." It then goes on to state that ** In Februar}^ last 
Professor Pilavios, of Athens, sent to the French Academy of 
Medicine a report regarding the use of Mallein in the treatment of 
glanders. He has been pursuing his investigations since, and he 



GLANDERS AND FARCY. 7 1 

now reports that both he and his colleagues have been struck with 
astonishment at the success of the Mallein treatment. Horses 
suspected of glanders have been completely cured by repeated 
injections of Mallein at intervals of eight days. In all eight horses 
have been thus treated, and all these animals came from regiments 
in which glanders had prevailed for 3'ears. Before injection the 
horses showed all the clinical symptoms of glanders, and had on 
that account been isolated. They reacted to the first two injec- 
tions in the ordinary way, but at the third and each succeeding 
injection (with large doses) they behaved like healthy horses, 
and exhibited no reaction. Immediately after the third injection 
the symptoms of glanders began to abate, and after 40-45 daj^s 
the}' had completely disappeared. After other 35 da3's the 
horses were again injected with Mallein, but not the slightest 
reaction followed. At the date of the report the horses were 
doing their work as well or even better than other sound horses. 
The Mallein treatment has been found successful only in the early 
stages of glanders; in the advanced stages of the disease the in- 
jection of ^lallein may hasten death. In some of the latter cases 
the horses died with the symptoms of peracute nasal glanders 
three or four days after the first injection." From the latter 
clauses of this article we come to the conclusion that the agent 
prepared in the form Mallein is probably in a majority of cases 
produces an aggravation of the symptoms, and consequently 
horses ' ' in the advanced stages of the disease ' ' have not stamina 
and vitality of constitution enough to enable them to withstand 
the potent action of the more pow^erful Mallein; but here steps in 
the advantage of the homoeopathically prepared agent; glander- 
inum (Swan) is attenuated to the centum mille = ioo,oooth 
potency, and may be relied upon to do its work effectively without 
any risk of aggravation of symptoms. 

According to experience we are disposed to think that glander- 
inum is more likely to prove useful in old standing chronic cases 
rather than in the more acute and recently developed ones in 
which latter other remedies possibly answer best. 

Treatment — Kali bichromiciim , 3X. — Ten grains three or four 
times a day, dry on the tongue, when lining membrane of nose is 
blue or slate color; ulcers developed thereon with ragged edges; 
discharge thick, glutinous, yellow, hanging in strings; submaxil- 



1^ 



VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 



lary glands very enlarged, hard and adherent to bones of jaw; 
tongue thickly coated; dysenteric diarrhoea. In addition to the 
internal administration of the remedy it ma}^ very usefully be 
applied locally to the ulcers on the nasal membrane, the outer 
skin of the nose and face and the buds of farcy; a suitable lotion 
for this purpose may be prepared by dissolving one drachm of the 
crude drug in ten fluid ounces of distilled water; should there be 
any ulcers in the upper parts of the nose out of reach, either a 
syringe or a spray diffuser can be used to effect the desired object. 

Mercurius corrosivus^ 3X grains, five to a dose, repeated three 
times a day. Should the temperature not descend and the ulcers 
show signs of healing under the influence oi Kali bichr., resort 
should be had to Mercury. 

Auruni tnuriaticum , 15. — In cases where the ulcers are deep 
enough to penetrate the bone of the nose and have a tendency to 
spread among this hard tissue, this drug may be given in alternate 
doses with one of the foregoing ones, ten to fifteen drops at a time, 
but should be discontinued so soon as the bone heals. 

Glanderijium (Swan) C. M. — Fifteen to twenty drops to a dose; 
this remed}^ should be tried in acute cases if others fail, or in the 
first instance in chronic, old standing cases; but the dose does not 
require to be administered oftener than once in .two days. 

In addition to the internal treatment the ulcers may with 
advantage be dressed with Eucalyptus 6, either through the in- 
strumentality of a syringe (glass) or a spray diffuser. The box 
or stable should be subjected to a free diffusion of the Eucalyptus 
several times each da 3^ with a view to disinfection and preventing 
the spread of the disease. 

During the time the horse is under treatment it should have 
gentle walking exercise, provided it does not come near either 
horse or man other than the usual attendant, the food should be 
of the most nutritious and digestible character, and if possible 
green food or some succulent roots should be included in the allow- 
ance; the box requires to be frequently and regularly cleaned out, 
but the bedding ought to be burned immediately. 

ANTHRAX. 

Although this disease is but rareh^ encountered among horses 
in Great Britain, there is good reason for believing that its geo- 



ANTHRAX. 73 

graphical distribution is not limited to any particular localities; 
while in some it is more frequently met with than in others, a fact 
probably due to the special conditions under which it owes its 
spread and development; and inasmuch as its presence has been 
clearly recognized among the western states of the North Ameri- 
can Continent we have deemed it advisable to include it, if only 
as a precautionary act, in the list of maladies dealt with in the 
present work; and we consider ourselves fully justified in this 
course; for if there is one disease more than another that calls for 
early recognition on the part of the lay horseman it is anthrax, 
and that on account of the rapidity with which the virus invades 
the system of whatsoever species of animal unfortunately receives 
it and the ver}^ short time the patient survives the invasion if not 
successfully treated; in the majority of instances, even where the 
services of a professional veterinarian are available they can rarely 
be secured in time to save the first case, for as a rule when one 
case presents itself others soon follow in its wake; and even then 
the probabilities of success under allopathic treatment are very 
remote, and only a prompt recognition of the disease backed up 
by the most judicious nursing and the regular administration of 
the most appropriate remedies, of which there are but two or three, 
will effect a cure under homoeopathic treatment. This disease 
owes its origin, development and spread to a vegetable organism 
recognized by scientists as the bacillus anthracis, and it is now 
generally admitted that this organism can invade the system either 
by means of inoculation, through the digestive organs, through 
food, or by inhalation during the act of breathing; this organism 
appears capal^le of retaining its vitality under the most peculiar 
conditions and for an unlimited period; the body of an animal that 
died of anthrax and was buried, may if disturbed at some future 
period, prove a source of contamination and infection; or if water 
that drains into a pond where horses are accustomed to drink, 
should in its course of filtration through the soil, come in contact 
with that dead body it is very likely to prove a source ot contami- 
nation. Pasteur who has given great attention to the subject of 
anthrax, asserts that earthworms are capable of bringing from 
such a dead body, though deeply buried, the anthrax spores to 
the surface from whence they could be imparted to tl:e animals 
grazing on the land adjoining, and moreover it is in the opinion 



74 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

of some scientists quite within the range of possibihty for the 
infective virus as represented by spores to bs distributed from one 
part of a country to another through the media of birds, dogs and 
even flies if affected carcasses were exposed to the attacks of these 
creatures. 

It is quite recognized that in the malady known as wool sorters' 
disease, which unquestionably possesses anthracoid characteristics 
we have an illustration how certainly the disease may be propa- 
gated through wool and hair that has long been taken from the 
animals which were as certainly the subjects of anthrax; this 
serves to confirm our previous assertion relative to the almost 
unbounded vitality of the organism and the readiness with which 
its infective properties are transmitted. The place in the body 
which this organism occupies and thrives in is the blood, and 
when an animal dies and there is a suspicion that it is due to 
anthrax, it is best to confirm the existing doubt by an experiment 
on one of the smaller animals; take, say a rabbit, make a slight 
incision in the skin of the ear and rub in gently one or two drops 
of the blood of the dead horse; most probabl}^ a very few hours 
w^ill suffice to show whether it is anthrax, as the symptoms of the 
disease followed by death will speedily transpire: we are not to be 
understood as generally advocating the principles of vivisection, 
indeed we may say that we strongly object to their general prac- 
tice, as there is no proof that the millions of animals which have 
been cruelly tortured and sacrificed to the whims of fanciful 
scientists have ever produced the slightest benefit to science, inas- 
much as the results obtained from such experiments have never 
saved a single life; this is strong language to give expression to 
and a very bold statement to make, but we believe it capable of 
distinct proof; nevertheless there are occasions when experiments 
on living animals are justifiable where there can be no question 
about the advantage to be derived and where speculative results 
are not looked for; the present is one of the few of those cases 
and the end here justifies the means. Now we are of opinion 
that without overloading this article vv^ith closer details, suflBcient 
has been advanced to show that aptitude of recognition and smart- 
ness at combatting difficulties are absolutely necessary qualifica- 
tions if this disease is to be overcome; and believing that details 
as to life, histor\^, pathology, etc., would only serve to cumber 



ANTHRAX. 75 

this article without rendering it an}^ more understandable, we 
proceed to define the 

Symptoms, characteristic of the disease in horses; the most 
notable indication, assuming that no prior suggestion has been 
presented is the violent shaking of the bod}^ followed by sweating, 
which may be constant or occasionally alternate wdth cold; the 
breathing is exceptionally violent; the horse loses control over his 
movements: if at this period the temperature be taken it w^ill be 
found as high as 105 degrees or even 107 degrees; after the before- 
mentioned symptoms have been in evidence some hours the horse 
w^ill possibly become delirious to be followed by a period of coma 
or unconsciousness: the pulse will naturally be increased in fre- 
quency, the beats being rather of a tumultuous character; there 
is one notable symptom that has been referred to b}^ several 
observers, namely, a swelling of the glands of the neck and chest, 
for sometime the temperature is inclined to rise higher, but when 
it does the pulse becomes w^eaker in tone and the respiration more 
hurried; as the disease advances and obtains a stronger hold upon 
the system the nasal membrane become spotted over wath blood 
markings and the surface assumes a pale, sickly appearance: from 
these blood patches blood of a dark color oozes out, and the mouth 
is filled with froth}^, sticky saliva; this is the period that delirium 
supervenes and the horse shows how much he suffers in the brain 
by forcing the head with some pressure against the wall or side of 
box; the muscular tremors will become more pronounced, shiver- 
ing and sweating will be renewed; the faecal discharges will be 
mixed with blood and the urine very much reduced in quality- will 
be of a claret color; at this period of the disease the temperature 
will begin to decline until the animal heat is reduced below the 
normal standard; this is suggestive of speedy collapse, and the 
end is generally attained amidst convulsive struggles. This is 
the picture of a case that cannot be cured ; now for the 

Treatment. — This is one of the few diseases in which among 
animals the administration of a nosode is followed by success; 
and that remedy is Aiithracinum C. M., the virus of the disease 
in an attenuated form, but it does not follow that it must of 
necessity be the first remedy administered, indeed, unless within 
easy reach of a druggist who kept same in stock, it is most prob- 
able that it could not be obtained in time for a first case; but 



'j6 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

should any of the characteristic sweUings general!}- observable in 
the ox, but rarely in the horse be present, and these be accom- 
panied b}^ a red and swollen condition of the natural openings 
from which a rust}- colored mucus is issuing, Anthracinuni should 
be administered, and more especialh' if the patient has reached 
that stage of the malady when the brain is affected and delirium 
super\'enes. 

Lachesis, 12. — This is a most efficient remedy, and as it is one 
that under proper conditions can be safely kept at hand for imme- 
diate use when called for, and is also likel}^ to prove useful in 
man}' other diseases; it is fortunate that its action is so reliable in 
a malady whose ordinary development after reception is so rapid: 
the usual quantity (10 drops) at intervals var}'ing from one to 
three hours according to the urgency of the symptoms. 

The accessory measures are in the first place to separate the 
healthy from those that are diseased; if death occurs the carcasses 
should be buried at a depth of six or even ten feet, and a very 
liberal supply of quicklime should be introduced under, over and 
around the carcass. During the period of treatment every pre- 
caution should be taken to hinder spread of infection b}' means of 
the excreta or whatever in the shape of food, water and utensils 
have been in contact with the patient; the stable and its surround- 
ings strictl}' disinfected on principles hereinbefore laid down for 
glanders; and last though not least, the source of infection ought 
to be traced to prevent a further dissemination of the virus; par- 
ticular!}' does this refer to the water supply, wliich should be 
properly tested b\' an expert and traced to its source and through 
its course however devious; should this fail the food supply should 
be examined, and this is a very lilcely source, seeing how readily 
the virus is transmitted, as witness the previous illustration of 
wool sorters' disease. 

In cases where the patient gives evidence of receiving benefit 
from the remedial measures adopted, but at the same time ex- 
haustion, weakness and inertia predominate and seem to hinder 
the restorative process, much benefit would accrue from the in- 
halation of oxygen gas as described in the chapter on influenza, 
as it is generally considered that tliis gas plays an important part 
in attenuating tlie poisonous qualities of the bacillus or anthrax 
organism. Tlie food must of necessity be of a light, easily 



RHEUMATISM. 77 

digestible description; such as small quantities of oatmea., boiled 
linseed, pearl barley boiled, carrots, artificial grasses cut up into 
short lengths; eggs beaten up and mixed with a little port wine; 
beef tea; a selection to be made according to the ability of the 
horse to partake and the effect produced. 

If swellings appear on the body, suppurate, burst and discharge 
the open wounds should be carefully washed with a non-irritating 
antiseptic, such as a solution of Sulphurous {jiot Sulphuric) acid 
or Eitcalypius. 

RHEUMATISM. 

A specific malady, affecting particular tissues, of an inflamma- 
tory type, attended with some swelling and much pain, a peculiar 
characteristic being the readiness with which it leaves one part 
and shifts to another; it is markedly affected by climatic influ- 
ences both as regards its origin and continuance; the tissues 
chiefly affected in the horse are those described as ' ' white fibrous ' ' 
of which tendons, ligaments, and their sheaths consist; the first 
indication of its presence in the system is made manifest by an 
observation that the horse is lame; next to the tendons, the joints 
of the legs feel the force of the attack and here it is the ' fibro- 
serous'' membranes that are the seat of the disease process; these 
particular membranes may be recognized by any one who will ex- 
amine the ends of two bones forming a joint; the end of one bone 
is rounded to fit into the cavity of the bone it comes into opposi- 
tion with, but both are covered with a glazed-looking membrane, 
which with some trouble will peel off; this membrane receives a 
fluid called synovia, secreted in a special apparatus close at hand 
which serves to lubricate the joint and make the two ends of the 
bones glide smoothly one upon another; not infrequently a change 
seems to take place on this tissue under the influence of the 
rheumatic attack, the quantity of the fluid is materially diminished 
and the gliding function of the joint interfered with in consequence, 
hence stiffness of the parts supervenes and causes great incon- 
venience, even though the pain is not acute. 

The next tissue upon which the rheumatic poison centres its 
force is the muscles; but as it is found much more frequently in 
these muscles that are clothed with a thin, but very strong cover- 
ing consisting mainly of the aforesaid white-fibrous tissue, while 



I 



jS VETKRIXARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

those muscles into the composition of which white-nbrous tissue 
does not enter are rarely the seat of rheumatism, we feel justi- 
fied in coming to the conclusion that these connective tissues as 
they are called are the chief seat of attraction for this disease. 
It is rare for the horse to be the subject of rheumatism in that acute 
form which is experienced by the hu:iian subject nor does its 
development frequently extend to that vital organ, the heart, as 
is the case in man; at the same time if a horse has been the sub- 
ject of chronic rheumatism for a length of time and the treat- 
ment it has experienced has not proved satisfactory', cases have 
come under notice in which the valves of the heart seemed to be 
aftected during Hfe, a diagnosis that has several times been con- 
firmed by us. post mortem: in examining a horse for soundness, 
we invariabh' make a rule to auscultate the chest to discover 
abnormal heart sounds, if present; and on one occasion warned 
the buyer that the valves of the heart were diseased — ^probabl}' 
rheumatic in origin — ^but so much was the buyer's heart set upon 
this particular animal that he determined to risk purchase against 
our ad\dce to the contrars' ; and paid the penalty accordingly, for 
it was not long before the horse fell dead in the street when draw- 
ing the carriage; we also know the case of a racehorse that was 
known to be extremely speedy who seemed rarely able to win a 
race collapsing and dying away as it were at the critical part of 
the race; he was designated a '' 7ion- stayer) ' I diagnosed him as 
the subject of heart disease; one morning he was found dead in 
his box, and the autopsy showed thickening or the valves of the 
heart; these cases, however, are in our experience not ver>' numer- 
ous: this somewhat extraordinary- development of the disease does 
not however offer any serious obstacle to successful treatment; 
certainly the drugs required under such conditions differ from 
those that are so successfully used when the extremities are the 
seat of affection. If it can be a firmed that the homoeopathic 
principle shines in some diseases more than others, certainly 
rheumatism should be included in the list; but in our opinion the 
reason wh}' success is more notable in what may be termed the 
exceptional diseases is due to the fact that Allopathy fails utterh" 
therein and therefore the comparison is all in favor of the system 
that effects a large proportion of cures. 

In cases where the disease locates itself in a verv acute form 



RHEUMATISM. 79 

the temperature is as a rule exalted; the pulse full, rapid and the 
artery unyielding to pressure; at the same time it is very qften the 
case that the disease confines the force of its action upon the 
locality affected and by the general system is not much disturbed; 
nor are the febrile symptoms very pronounced. 

The advent of the disease is sudden. An animal when left at 
night may to all appearances have been perfectly sound, while in 
the morning the groom found it incapable of movement. Exam- 
ination of the limb or limbs will show a swollen joint or the back 
tendons very full, and on manipulation they will be found hot and 
extremely tender; this may be the condition of things for some 
hours, when all at once affected limbs will be relieved, but the 
other two may be similarly affected and so by ringing the changes 
on the limbs the disease declares itself and recognition is not diffi- 
cult. Should the disease assume the chronic form the swelling 
and tenderness on manipulation maj^ not be prominent symptoms, 
while a decided stiffness of the joints or muscles is clearly dis- 
cernible by the peculiar dragging method of progression. When 
rheumatism locates itself in the muscles of the shoulder the horse 
will be found standing with the limb flexed and resting on the 
point of the toe; when called upon to move the horse is unable to 
lift the foot off the ground and drags it along in a helpless manner. 
The same mode of progression is observable in a hind limb when 
the seat of the disease is the hip joint or the muscles of the loins; 
again, when the lameness is situate in the shoulder, the animal 
stands as though transfixed, it requires considerable force to induce 
him to move; this is often called ^^ shoulde7-tied;'" when it affects 
the hind limbs it is described as ''loin boimdy it is difficult to 
state which portions of the limbs are most frequently affected as 
the disease will very often display its force upon the knee and 
fetlock joints, but rarely in the hocks; so far as our experience 
goes we have observed it more in tlie shoulders than any other 
parts, the peculiar dragging gait and tenderness on manipulation 
enabling us to locate it. The condition of the urine not infre- 
quently serves to confirm the opinion that we are face to face with 
a case of rheumatism, for if tested, chemicall}", it will be found 
abnormally acid, but apart from that, if collected and allowed to 
stand till cool, a thick deposit will be observable. Rheumatism 
s said to be due to climatic influences; whether this is a (act we 



8o VETERINARY HOMCeOPATHY. 

do not pretend to assert; but one thing is quite clear, that what- 
ever produces the disease, it is in a very marked degree affected 
b}- atmospheric surroundings. Some cases being aggravated by 
damp, while others are affected b}^ dr}" cold, and these indications 
serve as very reliable guides in the selection of a remed}'. By 
some the malady is considered to be due to hereditary taint, but 
with this view we do not concur, save that in our opinion all 
diseases are more or less hereditar}- by which we mean that 
if either sire or dam have during their life been the subject of an}^ 
disease in an acute form, there is a probability of a tendencj' to 
that particular disease, whatever it may be, in the offspring; 
among the principal causes which operate in the development of 
rheumatism ma}^ be included povert}^, indifferent diet, unhealthy 
surroundings, exposure, fatigue and moisture. 

Treatment. — There are three remedies which are pre- 
eminently suitable to cure rheumatism namely Aconite, Bryonia 
and Rhus toxicodendron, and in the majority of cases they cover 
the whole ground so far as horses are concerned, there are, how- 
ever, some few exceptions which will be duly noted as we pro- 
ceed. 

'Aconite 3X. — Fever pronounced, temperature 103 degrees or 
over. Restlessness, unable to stand still, although it gives pain 
to move; affected parts red and swollen; very tender to the touch; 
respirations hurried; unable to pass water, with evident pain when 
it is attempted; swelling shifts from one leg to another in cold, 
dry weather; skin dry and hot, great thirst. 

Bryonia 3X. — Stiffness of joints; inability to move; breathing 
evidentl}^' painful, respirations short and catchy; joints swollen 
but 7iot red; vSkin is drj^ generally but perspiration bursts out oc- 
casionall}', when the stable atmosphere ma}^ have an acid smell; 
thirst is considerable; stools dry and dark in color; cold, dry winds 
aggravate, moving about increases the pain as evidenced b}' the 
animal refusing to move when called upon ; pain in the chest. 

Rhus toxicodendron 3X. — Damp atmosphere and wet weather 
aggravate S3^mptoms; horse moves about and evidently obtains 
relief from so doing; affected parts swollen and red; warm ap- 
plications seem to relieve; great tenderness on manipulation as 
when the limb is strained; continued restlessness whether lying 
or standing. 



RHEUMATISM. 8 1 

Bellado7ina 3X will occasionally prove to be more appropriate 
than Aconite in the early stages of acute rheumatism when the 
following symptoms predominate: swelling of the joints or 
other parts red, tense and shining; horse starts every now and 
again; the e3'es staring and bright, and the pupils dilated espe- 
cially when the starting takes place; this peculiar symptom is 
probably due to a sharp shock of pain darting through the limb; 
and the leading indication for Belladonna visible pulsation of large 
superficial arteries, notably the carotids where exposed. 

Caulophyllum ix — Very useful in cases where the disease at- 
tacks the fetlock joints, and shifts frequently from one leg to 
another or from the extremities to the loins; especially so with 
mares that have been pregnant and aborted. 

Ruta graveolens 6x in cases where the knees of the fore legs or 
the hocks, or either are the principal parts affected more especially 
when constipation is also present which requires great straining to 
effect a stool ; further when the parts of the body upon which the 
horse has been resting are tender and sore to manipulation. 

Among the measures adopted from the nurses' standpoint, the 
most important are the use of warm clothing; the maintenance of 
an even, dry temperature in the stable, say 60 degrees F. ; abund- 
ant facilities for rest and comfort; bedding straw should be cut 
into short lengths or sawdust a foot deep provided; food to con- 
sist of light, digestible things, such as milk, oatmeal and bran in 
equal proportions; carrots, and if available, artificial grasses, such 
as clover, lucerne, sainfoin; for drinking purposes gruel made from 
pearl barley is the best that can be utilized. In the majority of 
cases the symptoms are aggravated by damp, moist climate, and 
therefore Rhus tox. is the probable remedy, when this is so, great 
relief may be afforded and the cure hastened by locally applying 
the remedy to the affected legs; a lotion of Rhus fox. ^->, one part 
of same to five of water suffices; take a good piece of tow, 
thoroughly pull it to pieces, dip it in aforesaid lotion and allow it 
to soak sufficiently long to become thoroughly impregnated, after 
which wring it out and apply to the joint or tendons, with a layer 
of oilskin to enclose and thereafter bound round with a flannel 
bandage to keep it in apposition with the parts; this may with 
advantage be removed three times a day; where other remedies 
are indicated a similar procedure may be adopted ur in the place 
6 



82 VETKRINARV HOMCEOPATHY. 

of tow, medicated cotton wool used dry ma}- be resorted to, in order 
that the parts may be protected and kept warm; after the swelhng 
and tenderness are abated the dressing should be discontinued, 
but in order that a relapse may be avoided, it is better to continue 
the use of a lighter flannel bandage for some daj's until the limbs 
become gradually accustomed to dispense wdth a covering, and so 
the risk of extreme exposure may be averted. 

BLOOD POISONING. 



PYEMIA SEPTICEMIA. 

It is not intended to deal with this condition as one that arises 
of itself, but to point out that it is usualh- the concomitant of some 
other more clearly defined disease process or is the resultant of an 
m]vLry; judging, however, by experience, whatever definition may 
be attempted to describe the process, it appears to produce a febrile 
condition of decided intensity and one that is peculiar to itself, 
and as medicinal treatment has been found capable of counteract- 
ing its pernicious influence on the animal S3^stem, we have deemed 
it wise to set apart a short chapter to its consideration. The 
change which takes place in the blood leads one to infer that a 
something simulating decomposition takes place in that fluid; the 
infective material, w^hatever it may be, and w^hether due to vegetable 
organisms or not, seems to gain entrance more generally than in 
other ways, into the system through ruptured tissues as the result 
of injury or surgical operations; this, having obtained access into 
the blood current, is rapidly conveyed over the body and the con- 
sequence is vascular irritation and general disturbance of the 
system; this not onl}^ results in a considerable elevation of tem- 
perature, but frequently in the establishment of an inflammatory 
state, w^hich ultimately gives rise to the production and develop- 
ment of matter (pus) which endeavors to find exit in the production 
of abscesses over various parts of the body. If the blood be ex- 
amined it will be found much darker in color than ordinary, when 
allowed to stand it does not form a clot, and it contains similar 
vegetable organisms (bacteria) to those found in the matter (pus) 
when submitted to microscopical examination; the infective 
material can enter the system other than through wounds, but in 



PYEMIA SEPTICEMIA. 83 

the horse we have never known of such a case, and other writers 
vouch for the rarity of the condition among equines; wounds, such 
as punctured feet, either as a consequence of carlessness on the 
part of a blacksmith or through picking up a nail in the street, 
may easily be attended by blood poisoning; wounds inflicted dur- 
ing an important surgical operation, if there are any putrefactive 
products in the immediate neighborhood, may easily account for 
the ultimate development of blood poisoning; while there is no 
doubt it may appear during the course of or as a sequel to some 
well-defined disease. Blood poisoning is generally ushered in with 
marked suddenness; the elevation of the internal temperature is 
very rapid; the horse exhibits marked indications of systemic ex- 
haustion; when the abscesses form internally the lungs are often 
the organs attacked, consequently all the sj^mptoms of pneumonia 
in an aggravated form are present; this latter condition is peculiar 
to a disease known among racing men in Great Britain as ' ' New- 
market Fever ^^^ which will be referred to more in detail farther on, 
the author assuming that racing men in the United States will be 
interested in this peculiar, and among sportsmen, well-known dis- 
ease, the consequences of which are recognized as responsible for 
so many thoroughbreds disappointing their owners during their 
running career. When the infection takes place through a wound 
the condition may be recognized by some local changes in the sur- 
rounding parts, which become dark, and as though an unusual 
quantity of blood were collected thereabouts; the wound looks 
angry, and ultimately the skin appears dead and pieces will drop 
off and the wound instead of healing in the ordinary way continues 
to discharge a thin, reddish-black fluid. 

Treatment. — Allopathy evidently knows of nothing but anti- 
septic measures apparently with the object of destroying the 
bacteria in the blood; but as the orthodox profession is compelled 
to admit, no doubt with great reluctance, the majorit}' of cases 
prove fatal; homoeopathists can fortunately show an altogether 
different record. America has a very notable case in point, that 
of the late lamented Dr. Carroll Dunham, to whom passing refer- 
ence has already been made; he was the subject of blood poison- 
ing, as the result of a wound inflicted during the performance of 
an autopsy, and we believe we are well within the truth when we 
state that he was so ill in consequence as to ])e nigh unto death, 



84 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

and only as a last resort did he consent to test a homoeopathic 
remedy; this, however, he did try with the happiest results, as his 
life was saved; he was converted to homoeopathy and ultimately 
became one of its most ardent and consistent advocates. 

The remedy which was instrumental in saving Dr. Dunham's 
valuable life is the one we have found useful on more than one 
occasion among the lower animals; we refer to Lachesis 12. An- 
other remedy of the same class is Crotalus, but our experience is 
that it is not necessary to look beyond the first; for all such malig- 
nant conditions which arise from a poisoning of the blood and all 
the attendant complications and consequences there is no remedy 
more strictly homoeopathic than Lachesis 12. So far as local ap- 
plications are concerned we still believe in this remedy and apply- 
ing it by means of the spray diflfuser in the same strength as ad- 
ministered internally, namely, ten or fifteen drops in a wineglass 
of water; or, if an antiseptic agent is preferred, and from some 
points of view this may be desirable, if only to act as deodorizer, 
then a weak solution of Condy's Fluid or Sulphurous acid can with 
advantage be availed of. Every facility should be afforded for 
the admission of fresh air, and for a few days the horse should be 
supported with eggs beaten up in milk, in the proportion of three 
fresh eggs to a quart of milk, to be repeated every three hours; 
this may be varied by some beef tea and an occasional wineglass 
of Scotch whiskey m a teacup of milk, but so long as the horse 
will take the non-alcoholic food, and does not get too low, it is 
better to dispense with the whiskey, as the blood is already in a 
too irritable condition. 

When abscesses form externally and do not burst and discharge 
readily, they may when located in situations where the skin is 
thick and tough and takes a long while to break down, be advan- 
tageously opened, discharged and cleansed. 

The atmosphere of the box should be regularly impregnated 
with Eucalyptus 9, b)'' means of the spray diffuser, as before sug- 
.gested, and the patient kept comfortably warm by means of cloth- 
ing; so soon as the febrile conditions are allayed and convalescence 
has set in a dose or two of Sulphur i2x should precede a course 
of China 0, ten drops twice a da}^ for a fortnight, or longer if 
necessary; the ordinary food being gradually resorted to so soon 
as the horse seems able to digest it. 



RABIKS. 85 



RABIES. 



This terrible disease can only be developed in the horse as the 
result of inoculation and can generally be traced to the bite of a 
dog; spontaneous generation is not now recognized as possible; of 
course the disease may be imparted to a horse through the bite of 
one that is already rabid, and it is with a view of preventing such 
a calamity that we deal with the disease at all in these pages, for 
while considering it not altogether impracticable to effect a cure, 
provided proper measures are taken in good time, still the risk in- 
curred by reason of the dangerous propensities it gives rise to, and 
the damage which in attemping treatment might be inflicted by 
so powerful an animal, we are strongly of opinion that the safest 
and wisest course is to slaughter the sufferer as soon as the un- 
questionable proof i?> forthcoming that a case of rabies has to be 
dealt with. 

It is more than likely that a horse may be inoculated with the 
virus of rabies by the bite of a dog without the owner or his 
attendants being cognizant of the occurrence; it is, therefore, 
desirable to give the list of symptoms by which madness may be 
recognized, so that, at least, those in charge may be able to gain 
the necessary information, the possession of which is all-import- 
ant to put them on their guard against the more serious and danger- 
ous developments. 

There is no time that can be fixed as the period of incubation 
after the animal has been bitten, nor is there anything in the 
manner of the horse to suggest that he has been inoculated with 
the rabies virus until the more definite symptoms, peculiar to ihe 
disease, commence to display themselves. Probably among the 
earlier symptoms observable are great excitability, inabiUty to 
control its movements, the muscles of the loins and hind legs 
generally become hard and unyielding to the touch, as also may 
those of the back and neck, and caution must be exercised that the 
rigid condition of the large muscle is not mistaken for tetanus (lock- 
jaw) nor tetanus for it; there are symptoms of differentiation, easily 
recognized by the professional veterinarian, but the layman needs 
to be on his guard to discern the one disease from the other; to do 
which satisfactorily he must study both diseases carefully for him- 
self and get the difference in the symptoms impressed on his mind 



86 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

lest the consequences of such an error cost him dearl}^; to continue 
the symptomatology, the earUer symptoms referred to are vSpeedily 
followed by the exhibition of an ungovernable temper; the 
slightest noise in or near to the stable excites the animal to such 
an extent that he will dash himself about to the imminent risk of 
knocking the partitions and doors down; as the disease advances 
the salivary glands become greatly influenced and large quantities 
of saliva will flow from the mouth, while the animal makes a 
vicious grab at anything and everything that comes within its 
reach. One of the most marked differences between tetanus and 
rabies, so far as the spasmodic condition of the muscles is con- 
cerned, that in rabies the muscles of the jaws are rarely affected 
while in tetanus this is the most frequent and special seat of action, 
and this, as is well known, to an extent that the jaws are in- 
capable of extension and hence the designation ' * lockjaw. ' ' 

As the disease gains a more decided hold on the horse the fury 
becomes more pronounced until it reaches such a height of in- 
tensity that it can do no more; then intervals of cessation are 
observable and the disease assumes the form of periodical fits, 
which gradually become less and less violent, until a relapse into 
the opposite extreme, that of stupor and even paralysis takes 
its place; this is an indication that death is not far off and its 
thorough establishment is soon followed by the closing scenes as 
exemplified by a most painful exhibition of suffering. 

Treatment may with reason be attempted if the fact that the 
horse has been bitten by a rabid dog or animal is recognized at 
the time, also in the earlier stages where symptoms and surround- 
ing circumstances warrant the suspicion that rabies has to be con- 
tended with; but once the disease is thoroughly established and 
the more violent indications of its existence are displayed, to at- 
tempt treatment would be undiluted folly, were it for no other 
reason than the risk to human life which must attend it. Among 
the remedies that have been proved capable of destroying the 
virus of rabies, none stand out more definitely than 

Belladonna, and this should be administered in a fairly high at- 
tenuation say the 6x. We believe that Dr. Hering, one of the 
most popular and successful homoeopathic physicians that ever 
practiced in the United States of America, advocates the admin- 
istration of Hydrophobin which is of course none other than the 



LYMPHANGITIS. 87 

active virus in an attenuated form — and here again is an instance 
of Homoeopathy taking precedence of the scientists, as vide 
** Pasteur" and his cure of rabies inoculated patients; the symp- 
toms for the selection of Hydrophobin are that the wound made 
by the rabid dog assumes a bluish-red color and the edges thereof 
are hard and swollen. Other remedies which may be occasionally 
useful are Stramonium and Hyoscy amies but as these belong to the 
same natural order as Belladonna the differences are rather re- 
fined and call for a closer study than can be given here when the 
general recommendation is slaughter; we would issue one warn- 
ing, never under any circumstances adopt the suicidal practice of 
cauterization; it is absolutely the surest way of insuring the de- 
velopment of the virus because by its adoption the blood vessels 
are all sealed up and the escape of the virus is impossible; if 
within the range of possibility submit the animal to a Turkish 
bath or some such process so as to secure the most profuse pers- 
piration, in this way 3^ou may succeed in sweating out the virus; 
if you use a cauterizing agent you ensure its being firmly locked 
into the system. 

WEED. 



LYMPHANGITIS. 

Among stablemen this form of disease, whose presence is re- 
cognized by lameness and swelling of one or both hind legs — rarely 
the forelegs — is described as * ' Monday Morning Disease ' ' pre- 
sumably because it usually makes itself manifest after the cus- 
tomary rest on the Sabbath or succeeding an enforced rest on ac- 
count of the inclemency of the weather. Its cause is generally 
attributed to a disordered state of the digestive functions and it 
was a matter of question with the writer whether its proper place 
in this work should not have been among Diseases of the Digestive 
Tract; but on second consideration, it was determined that though 
closely allied with the function of digestion, it could not be affirmed 
that the digestive organs proper, namely those organs that are en- 
closed within the abdomen, are responsible for its development, nor 
is its pathological condition located in these organs; moreover it is 
a disease which exercises a disturbing influence upon the whole sys- 
tem, as is evidenced by the exhalted temperature, increased fre- 



88 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

quency of pulse and respirations with other sj'TQptoms common to 
man}" febrile disorders which profoundly influence the general 
constitution. In the absence of an acquaintance with the general 
phj'siological processes associated with digestion and the assimila- 
tion of food as it undergoes digestion for the purpose of restoring 
wasted tissues, it is a somewhat difiicult undertaking to attempt an 
efficient explanation of the relation which exists between these 
processes and the somewhat remarkable development in the legs of 
a horse, and therefore we shall have to ask our readers to take a 
great deal on trust. We ma}" perhaps venture to assume that most 
men who have enjoyed the advantages of a moderate education are 
acquainted with the fact that the blood is carried from the heart 
to the outermost limits of the body by means of tubes or vessels 
known as arteries; these arteries gradually become smaller and 
smaller and increase in number, as they approach the limits of 
the body and are then described as capillaries; these again turn 
round the corner after arriving at the skin and begin to enlarge 
gradually until they become veins which again further enlarge 
until the blood passes into one vessel that empties itself into the 
heart; in this manner the blood performs a circuit, so to say, of the 
whole body, and ultimately comes back again to its starting point 
the heart, which has to act as an engine for pumping the blood 
through the system of tubes called arteries, capillaries and veins; 
in conjunction and side by side in many parts of the body, with the 
blood vessels is another system of tubes called lymphatics whose 
function is closely connected with the distribution of material that 
serves to build up and renew the body and also to convey same to 
the blood with which it is connected by means of the vessels already 
referred to; in structure the larger lymph vessels are like veins; the 
material these vessels contain is collected by absorption from the 
tissues through which they pass, and is in the first instance the 
watery constituents of the blood, but these vessels pass through 
various calling stations^ if we may so describe them, called glands 
where it is considered reorganization of the material goes on and 
as the circulation of the material progresses in its course along 
these channels changes are affected in its composition, certain 
matters being left behind and others taken up for conveyance to 
the blood stream, some of which are probably intended to be con- 
veyed out of the system while others undergo changes which 



LYMPHANGITIS. 89 

adapt them for nutritive purposes; man3^ of these small lymph 
vessels start from small points in the intestines and while the pro- 
cess of digestion is going on take up portions of the imperfectly 
digested material, called chyle, conveying it also along these tubes 
and this in its course presumably becomes mixed with the water}^ 
constituents of the blood picked up by these vessels in other parts 
of the body. 

Now as these vessels (lymphatics) are found all over the bod}^, 
generall}^ in company with blood vessels, at all events in the legs 
of the horse, it will be understood how it is that digestion is 
considered to play so prominent a part in the production of lym- 
phangitis (or weed). The ordinary constitutional symptoms 
are very similar to those which present themselves in most febrile 
diseases, but the distinguishing symptom is localized generally in 
the hind limbs, and consists of considerable swelling, which com- 
mences in the groins, accompanied by extreme tenderness, which 
gradually extends downwards to the hock and fetlock joints; 
the swelling is produced by an exudation of fluid from the lym- 
phatic vessels and the veins; and the anticipated result of admin- 
istering a remedy for this condition is the taking up again of the 
fluid on the part of the veins, that has passed through their walls 
already and those of the lymphatics; it is perhaps necessary to 
explain here that the walls of these lymphatic vessels and veins 
are so constructed that under excessive pressure, brought on 
under certain inflammatory conditions, the fluids contained are 
able to pass out on a modified principle of the sieve, and where 
the fluid has passed out, it can of course pass in, provided the 
necessary attraction is present to draw it in again; this attraction 
is just the power that is wanting so long as the inflammation 
exists; let that be allayed, and the conditions are altered, the 
vessels are then capable of retaking up the fluid and passing it on 
to its proper destination and the swelling subsides; but when the 
necessary remedy which is required to allay the inflammation is 
not administered, and the vessels are not reduced to the condition 
which enables them to reabsorb the exuded fluid, something has 
to be done with this fluid, and nature has ordained that if not 
removed it must be turned into something solid, and so a tissue is 
formed which, if examined under the microscope, is found to con- 
sist of the most minute fibres worked up into very beautiful mesh- 



go VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

like forms; but like mam^ other beautiful things to look at, it is 
not only useless but harmful; hence the object of treatment in 
this disease is to allay the inJ3.ammation, prevent ths exudation of 
the fluid as much as possible, and to ensure that such as has 
alread}^ exuded shall be taken up afresh and not allowed to 
remain to become formed material, as one peculiarity of this dis- 
ease is, that once established it is ver\^ difficult to get rid of; it 
will continually recur on the slightest aggravation and each time 
the consequences and results are apparent by the continual thick- 
ening of the leg and the general enlargement of the limb; this 
becomes most unsightly, interferes with the horse's action and 
produces a chronic state of lameness. 

The constitutional symptoms, as the same are indicated by rise 
in temperature, hurried pulse and respirations generally present 
themselves at the same time as the swelling of the hind limb; the 
appetite is usually ver}^ poor, but the desire for liquids is pro- 
nounced; the horse will not infrequenth" point with his muzzle to 
the affected parts as though he would direct attention to the seat 
of pain. 

Treatment. — Aconite, jx. — As soon as the febrile condition 
declares itself the remedy should be resorted to every two or three 
hours, but cannot be expected to do more than reduce the tem- 
perature and so prevent the aggravation of the inflammatory 
condition; the digestive organs must be influenced b\^ more direct 
remedial measures. 

Belladojina, jx, maj' occasionally prove more useful in the 
earlier stages than Aconite when the skin over the swollen parts of 
the legs is very tense, bright red and shining. 

Haniamelis 0. — In cases where the swelling is so intense that 
the fluid exudes through the skin and is accompanied by some 
blood; bearing in mind the close relation, anatomically, of veins 
and lymph vessels, it is probable that this drug might prove 
eminently successful in a large number of cases. 

ICa/i bichromicum, jx, strongly recommended by the late Mr. 
James Moore, M. R. Col., of London, both internally and locally 
as a lotion; we have used this remed}^ in a large number of cases, 
onl}^ however, to be disappointed; nevertheless we feel that after 
the experience of so practical a man as the late Mr. Moore, a 



I^YMPHANGITIS. 9 1 

remedy recommended by him should not be left out of a work of 
this sort. 

lodium, 2x. — We have found considerable advantage accrue 
from the use of this remedy, and were indebted for the suggestion 
that prompted us to give it a trial to Dr. Richard Hughes' Pharm- 
acodynamics; in the article upon this drug, Dr. Hughes quotes 
from an observation of Dr. Herbert Nankivell, "that Iodine 
enables fatty food to be digested which otherwise could not be 
given;" Dr. Hughes also directs attention to the specificity of this 
agent in its capability to influence the coats of blood vessels at 
certain points, as was proved by Dr. Thin at a post mortem; upon 
these grounds we were induced to experimentize, and the result 
was eminently satisfactor}^ 

Undoubtedly lymphangitis is a rather refractory disease and 
is very liable to recur, moreover its treatment has caused us very 
considerable anxiety and no little annoyance by reason of the 
persistence w^ith which it resisted our various attempts at cure. 

Local applications are desirable and very helpful if only to 
alleviate immediate pain; our plan to invoke the aid of moist heat 
to allay the inflammatory swelling has been followed with marked 
success in some cases, while in others it was not so self-evident; 
we, however, account for some failures on the ground of inefficient 
application, and to the fact that some horses are so persistently 
fidgety that they will continually renew their efforts to shake off 
the application; our plan has been the common one of binding the 
leg from bottom to top with a soft hay bandage, and thereafter 
frequently applying water, as hot as can be borne by the naked 
hand; after this has been continued for some hours, the hay' 
bandage should be taken off, the leg rubbed dry and a broad 
flannel bandage lightly applied as high up the leg as possible, and 
if the swelling is not reduced the hot fomentations must be re- 
peated as before. 

With respect to diet, the horse should have light digestible food 
including the artiflcial grasses and linseed boiled to jelly. Alco- 
holic stimulants should be avoided. If the swelling of the leg 
does not yield to treatment, then when administering Iodine inter- 
nally an ointment of the same may be applied locally with gentle 
friction once a day. Exercise must be postponed until the swell- 
ing and tenderness are reduced. 



92 VETERNARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

PURPURA HEMORRHAGICA. . 

This may well be taken to succeed the chapter on weed as there 
are some points of similarity, while as yet the distinctive features 
are marked. Among horses this disease frequently succeeds im- 
mediately upon convalescence from some exhaustive and lowering 
diseased conditions such as are observed in influenza; at the same 
time we have known many cases which, so far as we could tell, 
developed quite independently of any previous illness; whether the 
blood alone or the bloodvessels of themselves are responsible for 
the condition known as " purpura," we are not prepared to posi- 
tively affirm; one opinion, however, is that a disorded state of the 
blood and a want of tone in the vessels accounts for the symp- 
toms peculiar to this disease; one of the earliest indications is the 
swelling of the head, particularly about the nostrils and lips, but 
extending more or less all over; large swellings with distinctly 
sharp margins arise on the abdomen and chest, and about the 
upper portions of the legs, fore and hind; these swellings are 
neither particularly hot nor tender, but upon their surface a large 
number of small spots (or vesicles) appear, which contain a red- 
dish-colored fluid; these little vesicles soon burst and the fluid 
oozes out, the swellings are considered to be due to an escape of 
the blood from the bloodvessels into the tissues through which 
they take their course; either muscle or so-called connective tissue, 
chiefly among the latter; and, inasmuch as the blood has got out 
of its proper channel in the parts where these swellings are found, 
its natural tendency is to escape somewhere, hence the regular 
oozing of the red fluid over the surface of the large swellings. 
In addition, blood spots will be observedon the mucous membrane 
lining the nose; these which at first merely look like star-shaped 
spots of a very bright red color, also discharge the red fluid, and 
the spots have a distinct tendency to run together and form large 
ones; after the oozing has been going on for a few hours the color 
of the fluid gradually assumes a much darker hue and dries and 
cakes over; this, however, is due to the drying influence of the 
atmosphere and not to the properties of the blood which seems so 
changed and altered in its constitution as to have lost its normal 
tendency to form a clot, the fact being that as it becomes blacker 
in color it is less likely to congeal and rather keeps up a constant 



PURPURA HEMORRHAGICA. 93 

trickling from the nostrils and the swellings about the body. As 
an evidence that purpura is a constitutional disorder it may be 
mentioned that the temperature, pulse and respiration certainly 
undergo a change from the normal, though not to such a marked 
extent as is observed in many diseases of a more pronounced 
febrile type. The thermometer will, perhaps register 102 or 103 
degrees; the pulse beats number 60 to 65 and the respirations 25 
to 30. The appetite is almost invariably considerably impaired 
and the powers of digestion very weak, while constipation is fre- 
quently observed. 

It is a notable and rather remarkable fact that this disease is 
apt to recur after apparent convalescence, a condition of things 
more frequently observed in purpura than any other disease we 
know of; this may perhaps be accounted for by the fact that the 
blood having undergone such evident change in constitution takes 
longer to recover its normal condition than practitioners have been 
disposed to allow, also that there has been a want of a suitable 
remedy and that hence while nature had been struggling to gain 
the ascendency she has been blanked in the effort by reason of 
unsanitary surroundings and the lack of that assistance which 
can only be secured through the aid of some remedies only 
recognized by avowed and conscientious homoeopathists. If 
the disease is not arrested and does not progress to its final 
termination, the skin over the large swellings on the body becomes 
cold and hard and ultimately drops off in dead- looking shreds, 
sometimes exposing a raw, unhealthy-looking patch; the sheath of 
the penis is usually swollen to an enormous size, the urine is high 
colored and smells very offensively, and the breathing is difficult, 
of a muffling character and is sometimes so oppressed that the 
horse seems as though he would choke; the difficulty in breathing 
is produced by the swollen condition of the membrane lining the 
nose and air passages, the fact being that the internal organs are 
affected in a manner quite similar to the external portions of the 
body; should this condition of affairs continue to get worse and 
the horse give evidence of suffocation, the only method of relief 
for the time being is to perform the operation of traclieotomy 
which consists in making an opening into the windpipe and insert- 
ing a tube made for the purpose; this of necessity demands the 
aid of a qualified surgeon. 



94 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

Treatment, — Hamamelis ix is indicated when the hemorrhage 
is of a passive character, that is to say, where the blood drips away 
slowly and continuously, and especially if the veins are noticed 
to be distended, as though very full, and the nasal membrane has 
a blue (not black) appearance, and further when the bleeding 
is observed at the anus during or after stool. 

Lachesis 12 is more often than any other the remedy that 
has to be resorted to in purpura, probably because the disease has 
generally advanced to the stage at which it is best fitted to cure, 
by reason of delay or loss of time in recognizing what was the 
matter in the first instance. Constant oozing of black blood that 
will not coagulate is one of the chief indications for Lachesis; copious 
flow of dark-colored urine; constipation. 

Phosphorus s^- — Where there is reason to believe that the in- 
ternal organs, particularly the liver, are affected; this ma}' be 
judged by the general 3'ellow color of the skin and mucous mem- 
branes, namely those of the ej^es, that are not affected with the 
blood spots, and the oozing of blood. 

lodium IX. — By a singular coincidence, the use of Iodine has 
quite recently been introduced into allopathic practice, for cases of 
purpura, and for the time is looked upon as one of the most recent 
novelties; to whom we are indebted for the introduction of this 
remedy among the British Veterinarians we are not aware, unless 
it be to Mr. I. A. W. Dollar, of New Bond St., London. We 
have ourselves proved the value of this agent in such cases, and 
although it does not strike one at the outset as being a remedj^ for 
the disease, our attention was drawn to it some ^'ears ago, when 
reading Dr. Hughes' article on Iodi7ie in his Pharmacodynamics, 
wherein it is stated: "It can hardlj^ be imagined that so univer- 
" sal an irritant of the living matter should circulate in the blood 
*' without affecting its corpuscles. But whether this be the 
* ' rationale or not, it is certain that Iodide of Potassium every now and 
*' then causes petechia and purpura and that under the long con- 
' ' tinned influence of Iodine the blood and the secretions become 
" thin and watery." The first case that we submitted to Iodine 
treatment had been for some days previous taking Sulphiiric 
^^<:/^ and that w^ithout any apparent advantage; in thinking over the 
case we happened to recall to memory the remarks of Dr. Hughes 
just quoted and immediately commenced to administer Iodine ix 



DISEASES OF PARTS AND ORGANS IN RESPIRATORY TRACT. 95 

with the most satisfactory resuhs. We have reason to believe 
that in allopathic practice, administered in substantial doses of a 
preparation consisting of one part Iodine, two parts of Iodide of 
Potassium and loo parts of water, injected into the trachea (wind- 
pipe) very satisfactory results have followed; but this fact does not 
deprive the agent of its homoeopathicity in purpose; it is merely a 
further illustration of a statement we once heard to the effect that 
when allopathists manage to effect a cure it is always on homoeo- 
pathic principles, an opinion with which we fully concur. 

So soon as the animal can be induced to partake of nourishing 
food the better for its prospects of complete convalescence; mean- 
while, the usual careful nursing and building up with easily 
digestible food must be assiduously resorted to. 

DISEASES OF PARTS AND ORGANS INCLUDED IN THE 
RESPIRATORY TRACT. 

Little introduction is called for in approaching the consideration 
of this class of diseases, which in the horse produce some of the 
most serious conditions affecting the animal's utility, that have to 
be combatted by medical treatment; already we have referred to 
the methods and importance of physical examination to enable 
one to determine, as far as that is possible, what particular parts 
are the seat of disease and to what extent that disease has ad- 
vanced; such as tapping the chest over the region enclosed by the 
ribs, technically described as ''percussion,'" to determine the con- 
dition of the lungs; listening to the sounds observable as the 
processes of breathing, '' inspiratio?i'' and ''expiration^'' goon 
or auscultation, to determine up to a certain point the condition 
of the lungs, together with that of the fine membrane which lines 
the outside of the lungs and the inside of the walls of the chest, 
called the pleura; hence the well-known term pleurisy. 

Already these physical signs have been touched upon so far as 
the same are likely to prove useful to the lajmian; the detectio'.i 
of the finer and more delicate symptoms by these methods calls 
for the experience of one trained and practised in the art, and 
therefore wc deem it inadvisable to take up further space in deal ■ 
ing with this special branch of our subject. 



96 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

COMMON COIvD. 

While in common cold a horse gives unmistakable evidence of 
feeling the effects in his general constitution and all over the 
body, it is nevertheless more distinctly associated with the respira- 
tory tract as the lining membrane of the nostrils is most involved. 
In professional language the terms coryza or catarrh are applied 
to a common cold and by these it is intended to indicate that the 
lining membrane of the nasal chambers is in a highly inflamma- 
tory condition, the result of which is that from this membrane a 
watery fluid is discharged, the same condition being present in 
the eyes, accompanied by sore throat and consequent cough. 

In the outset the nasal membrane is dry and very red, but sub- 
sequently the fluid discharge appears which at first is acrid and 
irritating to the parts over which it flows, as the disease advances 
the discharge become thick and turbid and is bland so far as its 
effect upon surrounding parts is concerned; in addition to the 
local symptoms already indicated we find the systemic symptoms 
include elevation of temperature to 103 or 104 degrees, the horse 
is very heavy and dull, has a staring coat, and distinct shivering 
may be observed; the pulse may run up to 84 or even over and 
the respirations too frequent. 

The great thing to be observed is good nursing in conjunction 
with the treatment to be indica^icd with a view to prevent exten- 
sion to the lungs or throat. 

Aconite 3X. — As a rule when taken in time nothing more is 
wanted than the regular administration of this drug every four 
hours; but too frequently the time has gone by for Aconite before 
any treatment is attempted. 

Ammonium carb. ix. — When the nose is stuffed up and the horse 
has to breath through his mouth, which it is most difficult for 
him to effect in consequence of the veil to the palate already 
mentioned as existing; it is especially useful when an irritating 
cough caused by mucus in the bronchial tubes is present; this 
ma}^ be best tested by listening at the front of the chest and if in 
the windpipe a rattling noise is heard, it is fair to assume that an 
undue quantity of mucus is present. 

Ammonium inuriaticum ix. — In other words sal volatile; this 
remedy exerts great influence over catarrh when, as Dr. Hughes 



NASAL GLEET. 97 

States, it "is accompanied with chilliness, lassitude, sluggishness 
and prostration; loss of appetite; and profuse sweating and urina- 
tion." 

Arsenicum album 3X or Arsenicum iodide -T^y^. — Both these reme- 
dies are useful when the discharge from the nose and eyes is thin, 
watery and burning, accompanied by rawness of the throat and a 
cough arising therefrom; one of the best indications for the use 
of either of these remedies, more especially the former, is a con- 
stant desire to drink, but only a little at a time; this symptom 
may be taken as a leading indication for these two remedies. 

Bellado7ina 3X. — When the lining membrane of the ej^es is very 
much swollen and injected with streaks of red; when light ap- 
pears to cause discomfort; when the throat is so sore that there is 
a difficulty in swallowing. 

Nux vomica 3X — Very frequently an excellent remedy for cold 
in the head, especially when the nostrils are stopped up and the 
bowels are constipated. 

As accessories to the above it is frequently useful to cause the 
horse to inhale hot steam, medicated with Aconite or plain vine- 
gar; fill a nose bag with hay chaff, put it on to the horse's head; 
introduce a few drops of Aconite ^ or a quarter pint of vinegar; 
then pour two quarts of boiling water on the chaff and allow the 
animal to inhale the steam for five or ten minutes; this may be 
repeated three times a day. 

Food should consist of warm mashes, linseed gruel and barley 
water ad libitum. 

NASAL GLEET. 

This term is applied to a chronic catarrh of the nose, which as 
a rule, in consequence of neglect or bad management has taken on 
a purulent form; in the horse nasal gleet assumes a more serious 
aspect by reason of the large cavities or sinuses, as they are called, 
which occupy and help to form the face of this animal; into these 
cavities there are small openings about the size of a quill pen, 
which connect the nostrils therewith; the membrane which lines 
the nostrils is continued through these small openings and again 
expands over the inner surface of the cavities, so that a diseased 
condition of the nostrils easily extends to the inside of these cavi- 
ties; and if the catarrh of the nostrils is not cured, but becomes 



98 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

chronic, it ma}^ and does extend to the inside of these sinuses, and 
the matter which is formed therein, finding no read}' point of 
escape becomes accumulated, and assumes a fetid character as is 
often observable in old standing cases of nasal gleet; in addition 
to the membrane of these cavities the bones of the face and the 
teeth frequently become affected, when the smell is simply un- 
bearable. 

There is one disease with which nasal gleet ma}^ be confounded, 
namel}', glanders; and this mistake it is most important to avoid; 
now, however, that the simple test for glanders is available, no 
such error in the future need creep in. 

Symptoms. — As a rule onh- one nostril is affected at a 
time and from this, mucus will be discharged; the character of 
the mucus depends chiefly upon the length of time that the horse 
has been the subject of the disease; and whereas nasal gleet is 
usually the sequel of what in the first instance ma}" be described 
as a common cold accompanied with a profuse running at the nose 
we shall commence with a description of the discharge at that 
period when it has assumed the consistence of starch; if not 
arrested, it proceeds from bad to worse, until the mucus becomes 
inspissated or clotty, is mixed with blood and ultimately assumes 
the characteristics of pus (or matter); if this stage is attained the 
membrane lining the bony cavities is penetrated, and the bones 
themselves are attacked; this of course is the most serious condi- 
tion and may certainly be averted if proper treatment and care be 
adopted; the discharge, under any of these conditions, is not con- 
stant but comes on periodically, some hours occasionally interven- 
ing; but an outpouring of mucus may be set up at almost any 
time by submitting the animal to a little gentle exercise, after 
which it w411 give a good blow", and for the time the nasal passage 
will be comparatively clear, after the horse, with its head in a 
dependent position has relieved itself of a profuse quantity of 
glairy mucus, which comes away in clots or plugs. 

To test the presence or otherwise of mucus in the sinuses of the 
face, tap the bony prominences of the face on the affected side, 
from the eye downwards, and if the sound is dull and wanting in 
resonance it may be taken for granted that the cavities are aff^ected 
and that they are occupied by an accumulation of mucus. 

The glands situate between the jawbones may or may not be 



NASAI, GLKET. 99 

enlarged, swollen or hard and indurated, generally, however, one 
or other is the case. 

The temperature of the body is no certain indication, but as a 
rule the horse looks unthrifty in the coat, soon tires at work and 
gives general evidence of impaired health. If the disease is al- 
lowed to develop and the sinuses (or cavities) of the face become 
blocked up with mucus or pus (matter) the shape of the face on 
the affected side is altered, inasmuch as the bones bulge out. The 
majority of veterinary practitioners considers that there is nothing 
for it but the operation of trephining when the cavities of the face 
are affected, as it is maintained that an accumulation of mucus 
or pus must of necessity be removed and the cavities cleansed 
before any hope of cure can be held out; by trephining is to be 
understood, a surgical operation involving the removal of a por- 
tion of bone over one of the cavities of the face sufficiently large 
to allow for the removal of the mucous or purulent contents; this 
is by no means a serious operation, but it calls for the experienced 
surgeon to perform it; although homoeopathic treatment suffices 
to effect cures of the worst cases without resorting to trephining, 
the operation in very extreme cases, where the collection in 
the cavities is purulent and the bones are also affected, 
will facilitate and hasten the cure, as the diseased parts can be 
flushed with a lotion of the remedy that is specific to the morbid 
condition after the contents are evacuated, thus obviating the pos- 
sibility of reinfection which the parts would be liable to, if the 
process of absorption under the d3mamic influence of the drug 
had to be carried on in the absence of an operation; but the great 
secret after all is by prompt internal administration of the specific 
drug to prevent the diseased process arriving at such an advanced 
stage as we have indicated, and this can be done. 

Treatment. — The first remedy is Hydrastis 0, and its admin- 
istration must be effected topically as well as internalh-; if the 
horse will put up with it, a lotion of Hydrastis ^, i to 5 of water, 
must be injected with some force up the affected nostril; an 
ordinar}^ four-ounce metal syringe, with a wooden nozzle about 
eight inches long adjusted thereto, is the best instrument for the 
purpose; the head of the nozzle should be nicely rounded off to 
prevent injuring the mucous membrane of the nose; after care- 
fully testing the soundness of the joints of the syringe, fill same 



lOO VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

and carefully introduce the wooden nozzle as far up the nostril as 
it will go, then forcibly eject the contents; if some portion of the 
contents passes down the other nostril or escapes into the throat 
and is swallowed, it may safeh' be conjectured that the walls of 
the nostril and the posterior parts of the nose are thoroughly 
bathed with the lotion; this should be repeated twice daily. Pro- 
vided the horse objects to this form of topical application and 
resents further efforts to realize it, inhalation must be resorted to; 
a nose-bag half full of fineh' cut hay chaff must be attached to 
the horse's head, upon this chaff pour sufficient boiling water to 
saturate the quantity contained in the bag, immediately thereafter 
sprinkle about one ounce of the Hydrastis 0, and quickl}- throw 
over the animal's head a thick horse rug, with a view to retain 
the steam about the nostril and so enforce the inhalation of the 
medicated steam; in bad cases this should be repeated three times 
a day until the discharge is less, which is generally observable in 
two days; though the application may be daih' less frequent, it 
will have to be continued once a day, probably for three weeks or 
a month; at the same time ten drops of Hydrastis 0^ in a wine- 
glass of water, should be given internally three times a day and 
continued for a fortnight before reducing the number of doses per 
diem. 

J^ati bichrornicuvi^ 5X, being a remedy specially effective in 
diseases of a chronic character is certainly indicated in some forms 
of nasal gleet; and the main symptoms are as follows: "When upon 
the nasal membrane there are any ulcers (at the same time always 
beware of glanders and test with mallein) ; when the horse is off 
his feed and the tongue is covered with a 3-ellow fur which on 
removal leaves a red surface; when the discharge from the nostril 
comes awa}' in long tough strings. 

AiirufTt nucriaticum, 3X, when the bones of the face are dis- 
eased which is unmistakabl}' recognized by the horribly fetid 
smell emanating from the nostril; there will also be a probable 
swelling and tenderness of these bones, and the production of 
saliva in great excess will be observable. 

The before-mentioned treatment requires to be supplemented bj* 
careful nursing and good liberal diet ou easily digestible nourish- 
ing food ; the animal should certainly be laid aside from work and 
allowed to occupy a healthy, airy, loose box. 



LARYNGITIS. lOI 

LARYNGITIS. 

This term is intended to convey the idea that the mucous mem- 
brane and soft structures of that complex organ situate at the 
top of the trachea (or windpipe) are inflamed; through the 
mechanism of the larynx the pitch or tone of the voice is mainly 
regulated, and though among the lower orders of animal creation 
this function is not turned to much account, it is an organ which 
in the horse demands careful and thoughtful consideration because 
of the important part it plays in the performance of the various 
acts involved in respiration and the serious consequence affecting 
the p.ecuniary value and general utility of an animal whose 
larynx is structurally defective. 

We shall consider first that condition known as inflammation of 
the larynx (laryngitis) because it usuall}^ precedes in greater or 
less degree inflammation of other parts of the respiratory tract, 
and that alteration in structure of the organ which is the cause of 
a horse making the noise known as ^' Roaring;'^ and then before 
proceeding to the consideration of affections of other parts of the 
respiratory tract, roaring will be dealt with from a homoeopathic 
standpoint. 

Laryngitis is generally accompanied by a more or less extensive 
inflammation of the surrounding parts and is marked by a hard, 
dry, rasping cough which suggests that the calibre of the organ is 
reduced in size or that its shape is materially altered, and herein 
is the danger which attends its development, lest the opening 
through the lar3-nx should become blocked up, interfering with 
the function of respiration and so producing suffocation. 

The cough usually appears to cause inconvenience and some 
pain, and comes on in paroxysms; the throat generally is swollen, 
extending sometimes to the glands between the jaws and those 
situate at the back of the jawbone from the ear downwards, 
known as the parotid glands; the horse almost invariably stands 
with its head straight out, the nose elevated, and if the upper 
part of the box door happens to be open the animal will be found 
with its chin resting on the lower half of that which is closed; 
great difficulty is experienced in swallowing cither solid or liquid 
nutriment; the temperature is exalted; the pulse full and hard 
and the respiration decidedly urgent. A favorable termination 



I02 VETERINARY HOMGEOPATHY. 

may be anticipated when the hard, dry cough is changed to one 
less resonant and softer in character, and when the hitherto dry 
nasal membrane becomes moist and a thin fluid discharge runs 
down the nostrils. The rapidity with which this disease pro- 
gresses renders it absolutely imperative that the most prompt 
steps should be taken for its alleviation, and no stone left un- 
turned to modify the severity of the s3'mptoms. 

Treatment. — Much depends in selecting the first remed}^ as 
to the condition of the patient at the time; in cases where the in- 
flammatory stage is observed early, is the result of exposure to 
cold and accompanied by very decided febrile symptoms, such as 
a difficulty of breathing (though the noise made during respira- 
tion is not markedh' harsh and rasping), hot mouth high temper- 
ature, hard, frequent pulse, scant}^, high-colored urine Aconite 
3X should be administered in half-hour doses; but in those 
where the breathing is not only difficult but somewhat slow, 
urgent and attended with a decidedly dr}', rasping sound, and the 
cough resembles the passage of a saw through a hard piece of 
wood Spongia 3X trituration, a dose ever}' hour, is almost cer- 
tain to afford relief; as a horse at such a stage of the disease gen- 
erally experiences great difficulty in swallowing fluids, the tritu- 
ration is preferable to the tincture, as it can be quietly placed on 
the tongue where it will graduall}^ dissolve under the influence of 
the saliva and be swallowed slowly and gradualh^ as the horse 
feels able without any risk of choking; as soon as any relief in 
the urgenc}^ of the breathing and cough is observable, the inter- 
vals between the doses ma}" safely be extended. In cases where 
the throat is very much swollen and the glands are extremely 
painful; the cough rather inclining to be soft; swallowing so diffi- 
cult that fluids return through the nostrils; a great deal of saliva 
is formed and drops out of the mouth Belladonjia 3X should be 
given in alternation with Mercuidiis sohcbilis 5; namely, com- 
mence with the usual dose of Belladonna and in one hour give a 
dose of the Mercurius sol. and so on for four hours after which 
the intervals may be gradually extended to two and three hours 
between the respective doses; tender no circumstances 7nust these 
medici^ies be given mixed together in 07ie dose. 

Sanguiyiaria Canadensis has been highly recommended in 
cases w^hich threaten suffocation in consequence of a swollen and 



ROARING. 103 

pulpy-looking condition of the mucous membrane of the throat; 
to discover this it is necessary to open the horse's mouth suffi- 
ciently wide to expose to view the parts around the root of the 
tongue and about the tonsils; if instead of looking red, as is 
usually the case, the membrane is pale and flaccid, and here and 
there small superficial ulcers are observable with possibly shreds 
of flaky-looking particles adhering to the edges, it will be safe to 
conclude that the condition for which Sayiguinaria is useful has 
to be contended with, and this remedy should be administered. 

Accessory Measures. — In such a disease as laryngitis, where 
the administration of large doses is almost an impossibility and is 
certainly attended with considerable danger to the patient, it is no 
small advantage to have remedies prepared in a manner that ren- 
ders their administration comparatively easy; at the same time it 
is most important that during the acute stage, w^hich may last 
thirty-six hours, the nursing and dieting should be carried out 
with an intelligent appreciation of the circumstances affecting the 
patient; to attempt to force the animal to swallow liquid nutri- 
ment by drenching, as is no uncommon practice among stable- 
men, would simply prove fatal; if the animal absolutely declines 
to take food of any sort voluntarily by the mouth, then resort 
must be had to enemas of strong beef tea and milk; on the other 
hand, no pains or trouble should be spared to entice the horse to 
partake of such diet as gruel made of nourishing invalid foods; 
carrots cut up into thin pieces and offered by hand, a bit at a 
time; if available small handfuls of artificial grasses such as 
clover, lucerne or sanifoin; anything, however, that requires 
much mastication is out of the question. An outward application 
in the form of a water compress, consisting of four folds of soft 
linen dipped in cold water, wrung out and applied to the throat, 
covered with a piece of thin oil skin supported in position by a 
nice piece of thick, but soft flannel will be found more than useful 
in allaying the inflammation and restoring tone to the weak and 
now extremely susceptible larynx. 

ROARING. 

This is a very important subject to the horseman and the horse 
breeder, the term roaring is only too often used indiscriminately; in 
point of fact, although an essentially common and vulgar term, it 



I04 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

should be made only to apply to horses that have an affection of the 
larynx which involves structural change of the organ in which 
one portion of this complex instrument — for such it may reason- 
abh' be stjded, by reason of its powers of local production — is 
through loss of nervous energ^^ rendered ph3'siologicalh' useless; 
and worse than that the part so affected is not onh^ useless but 
absolutely ph3'sically injurious by reason of the obstruction to 
respiration which the structural change in the larynx brings 
about; there are other causes which render it very difficult, if not 
absolutely impossible, for a horse to breath either freel}^ or with- 
out making a noise in the process, and that without the lar3mx 
being affected, hence the necessity for discrimination; we very 
much prefer as a general term the phrase ' ' makes a noise ' ' to ex- 
press all the varied abnormal conditions which affect the respira- 
tory tract, rather than to speak of every horse that makes a noise 
as a " J?^ar<?r, " whistler, grunter, etc., leaving it to the circum- 
stances and conditions to determine the seat and origin of the de- 
fect, points most difl&cult of solution during life but which can as 
a rule be accurately determined post mortem; this, however, is a 
very unsatisfactory state of affairs, as the horse owner necessarily 
desires to discriminate correctl}^ during life in the hope of effect- 
ing relief and thus render the animal more useful. The opinion 
held b}' a large majority of the veterinarj^ profession, and among 
them some of the most experienced men of the day is that by far 
the larger proportion of horses that make a noise are roarers proper, 
that is to say structural change has taken place in the the larynx 
in consequence of a wasted condition of certain muscles of the 
organ, the said wasting being due to want of healthy innervation, 
and resulting in one division of the larynx falling inwards and so 
causing an obstruction to the passage of the air into the lungs as 
the animal draws its breath inwards, or, in other words, effected 
an inspiration; in this opinion we are not able to concur, as we 
fulh' believe, after a somewhat varied experience, that though 
large numbers of horses are roarers proper, a still larger number 
make a noise from other causes. 

It may be as well in passing to enumerate some of the causes to 
which the varied noises are due, which are continuall}- observed 
by those whose duty it is to examine horses for soundness or who 
have frequent opportunities of observing animals the}^ have never 



ROARING. ■ 105 

seen before; one cause of somewhat rare occurrence is a polypus 
or polyphoid tumor situate in the upper part of the nasal passage; 
thickening of the mucous membrane which covers the walls of the 
nose, resulting from chronic catarrh or cold, a condition which 
materially lessens the calibre or size of the nasal passage, and 
which after exertion is apt to become rather more swollen and so 
still further diminish the size of the air passage and produce a 
wheezing sound extremely perplexing to a young practitioner 
anxious to do his duty by his client; he readily observes the noise, 
but does not consider it sufficiently pronounced to indicate roaring, 
and in this he is correct, but the doubt still remains as to the 
cause; a speculum might probably reveal something to assist one 
in arriving at a conclusion, but the facilities for applying this test 
are rarely available; moreover as it would involve casting the 
horse, it is very improbable the seller would permit such a course 
to be adopted; hence all that can be said is the horse makes a 
noise! Horses with short, thick necks, having \^^ parotid glands 
very fully developed will not infrequently make a noise as bad as 
the worst roarer during a test gallop, while all the time there is 
no defect in the larynx; we consider this to be due to the turgid 
and swollen condition of the parotid glands, as the result of the 
quickened circulation, the glands pressing upon the opening of 
the larynx through the position of the horse's head, his nose 
being drawn into his chest wdiile hard held, and the size of the 
respiratory passage materially constricted; such an animal without 
a beaying reiJi, would do ordinary work in harness at a fair trot 
and give no evidence of making a noisa; this sort of exercise 
would not excite the circulation sufficiently to cause any disturb- 
ance. We next come to tha larynx itsalf for diseased conditions 
other than the chief and most acute one already referred to in- 
volving an alteration in the shape of the organ by reason of struc- 
tural defects; these are mainly due to inflammation, such as oc- 
curs in laryngitis, already dealt with in the previous chapter; this 
form of inflammation affects the other tissues which go to form 
the vocal organ, such as cartilage the component parts or sjm^ o.' 
them being united as the result of inflammation and thus altering 
entirely the shape of the larynx or th.^ connective tissue which 
serves to keep the various cartilaginous parts in position which 



io6 VETERixARV ho:mceopathy. 

during tlie inflaoimator}^ action has become thickened and has not 
had time to become resolved into its normal healthy condition. 

Further, the wind pipe or trachea may from various causes, pro- 
duce an unnatural sound in breathing in consequence of an altera- 
tion of shape due either to injury or inflammation of the lining 
membrane; probabl}^ one of the most frequent causes of difficult 
respiration and making a noise is that which arises from disease 
of the air tubes in the lungs and the substance of the lung tissue 
which surrounds these tubes; among thoroughbred horses the 
disease known as " Newmarket fever, " to the consideration of 
which a special chapter will be devoted, is responsible for respira- 
tor}'- defects in far greater measure than is generally acknow- 
ledged, in consequence of its after effects; these result in a com- 
plete alteration in the general structure of the lungs which renders 
it impossible for the animal to draw in that amount of air that is 
requisite to enable it to sustain prolonged exertion; simple inflam- 
mation of the lungs also leaves behind similar injurious conse- 
quences and unless a suitable remedy is administered capable of 
restoring the lungs to a healthy state b}' getting rid of the 
diseased products which are the result of the inflammation the 
animal is rendered permanently defective in its breathing; there 
is reason, however, to believe that such a result ma}" be attained 
in the majority of cases under homoeopathic treatment, and this 
is the chief point of interest for our consideration. 

The whole of the list of cases, including even the most serious, 
is due in a great measure to the inflammatory process which ex- 
ercises a marvellous influence upon the various tissues of which 
the respiratory tract is made up, and effects such changes that the 
shape of the passage in its whole length is more or less altered; 
and in this way the production of unnatural sounds in the act of 
breathing is brought about; this being the case, it is deserving of 
serious consideration whether any drug exists that is capable of 
exercising a potent influence upon this uniform condition of affairs; 
if so, there is reasonable hope that relief may be afforded in most 
cases and cure in many others; but it may be argued, and with 
no little show of reason, that this does not account for the struc- 
tural change in the larynx due to a wasting of the muscles which 
in its turn is accounted for b}^ a lack of nerve stimulus, the effect 
of which accounts for true roaring; but here a difference of 



ROARING. 107 

Opinion as to the cause of the wasting and degeneration of the 
muscles may fairly be held, because cases of wasted laryngeal 
muscles have been observed in post-mortem cKaminations where- 
in no defect or disease of the nerve which supplies the physiolo- 
gical stimulus to these particular muscles could be discovered; in 
addition to this negative argument, we cannot overlook the fact, 
that the degenerative change, described as fatty degeneration, 
affecting the defective muscles of the larnyx may be brought 
about by causes altogether independent of nerve force, and this 
fact renders the possibility of cure or relief all the more promis- 
ing, as in homoeopathic practice there is at least one remedy that 
is capable of contracting the diseased condition known as ' 'fatty 
degeneration'' therefore when this is the cause of roaring, there is 
reasonably good hope for anticipating the restoration of the laryn- 
geal muscles to a healthy state under its influence, the renewal of 
the proper physiological functions and the removal of the cause 
which produced the noise and interfered w^ith sound, health}'^ res- 
piration, more especially if treatment is commenced as soon as the 
defective respiration is observable in young horses. It may be 
desirable to note in passing that several operations have been at- 
tempted to overcome by surgical measures the defects already re- 
ferred to, that are due to structural alteration of the larynx, such 
as the removal of the portion of cartilage which through de- 
generation of the muscles cannot maintain its normal position and 
falls inwards; and again a very ingenious operation has been 
tested by which the recurrent nerve, that by some is considered 
responsible by reason of atrophy for the muscular degeneration, 
was severed and joined to another nerve trunk in the hope of 
supplying the necessary nerve stimulus from a new source and 
thus restoring the muscles to a healthy state; but neither of these 
operations has answered expectations, and it may be asserted that 
from a really practical standpoint the}^ are both absolute failures. 
Now as to the method of treatment to which we advise a horse 
to be subjected; inasmuch as it is most difficult, if not absoluteh'- 
impossible to positively determine what is the cause of a horse 
making a noise in the early stage of the disease, which at the 
same time it is possitively essential in order to effect a cure that 
treatment should be commenced at that period we consider that 
the two remedies which have on various occasions afforded 



I08 VKTKRINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

marked relief, should be administered alternately, namely Arsen- 
icum album 6x in doses of fifteen grains every morning, and 
Phosphorus^ 3x, in doses of twenty minims every night, this 
should be continued for a week; then a dose of Sulphur 12, con- 
sisting of fifteen grains, after which two or three days should be 
allowed to elapse without any medicine being given, and there- 
after the same procedure should be repeated over a period of six 
weeks or two months. This system of treatment is applicable in 
most cases where the defective respiration is not due to any 
injury to the windpipe, such as fracture of one of the cartilaginous 
rings of which the trachea is composed, under which circum- 
stances only operative surgery is effective; nor do those cases, 
where the bones of the face are altered in shape, through mal- 
formation, come within the range of medicinal treatment; but 
polypi and polypoid tumors are easily amenable to the action of 
drugs, and as these, when present, are discernible by careful 
examination there is no difficulty in determining the cause; 
Teucrium applied locally in the mother tincture and given in- 
ternally in the third decimal attenuation in alternation with Cal- 
carea card. 12, will generally disperse these offending tumors and 
that without resorting to the barbarous system of tearing the 
tumor away by means of a wire noose, in doing which the mucous 
membrane is frequently severely lacerated. During the course of 
treatment, as before indicated for laryngeal affections, it is desir- 
able that the animal should not be subjected to any violent exer- 
cise, nothing more than plain walking, but of that it should have 
several hours daily. The diet should be wholesome and sound, 
and the hay be cut into short chaff; carrots are a decidedly favor- 
able form of nutriment, as they are easily digestible and serve to 
stimulate the natural secretions and at the same time counteract 
any heating tendency there ma}^ be in the cereal portion of the 
diet. We cannot guarantee success in all cases, but our experi- 
ence justifies us in offering the assurance that a sanguine hope 
may be entertained of rendering an otherwise hopeless case cap- 
able of useful work: we have known several cases of some stand- 
ing in race horses that could not gallop at anything like top speed 
over five furlongs come out after a course of treatment with 
Arsenicum, 3X or 6x, and win a sprint race over that distance in 
right gallant style; but these old standing-cases always require a 



THH LUNGS. 109 

month's course of the remedy before making such an effort; the 
beauty of Arsenicum is that it not only does not interfere with the 
training operations but in reality acts as a tonic and the horse 
trains on better while taking it; the same remarks of course apply 
with equal force to hunters or any other class of horse. 

THE IvUNGS. 

The consideration of the various forms of disease which affect 
the lungs, must for the sake of distinction be divided into three 
classes, but before defining them it is desirable, if not necessary, 
for a proper appreciation of the subject, to explain as simply as 
possible the construction of these vitally important organs. Com- 
plex as the w^hole organism is, and necessary for the maintenance 
of healthy life as each individual set of organs may be, probably 
the lungs hold the post of honor in relative importance when the 
all important topic of how life in its pristine vigor is to be main- 
tained comes under consideration. In the first place let us inquire 
of what do lungs consist; taken into the hands and examined 
under pressure they feel not unlike a piece of sponge; there is a 
certain amount of elasticity about them which under pressure 
effects a sort of rebound, after being compressed into a small 
compass expansion takes place naturally and they assume their 
original shape; this physical fact is accounted for by their con- 
struction; the lungs, speaking roughly, consist of a net- work of 
hollow tubes (called bronchial tubes) of varying sizes supported 
by connective tissue, called the parenchyma or true lung sub- 
stance, while in company with the bronchial tubes blood vessels 
(both arteries and veins) follow much the same course among the 
connective tissue or lung substance; the whole mass is then 
encased in a fine mesh-like membrane which has a glazed external 
surface called the pleura, which helps in some measure to keep 
the lungs in the form and shape they naturally assume; it must 
be understood that the bronchial tubes described as one of the 
principal divisions of the lungs, are in reality continuations of the 
trachea or windpipe, which in the first place divides into two 
branches, one for each lung; these main branches then enter the 
lung and thereafter divide and subdivide into smaller and still 
smaller branches until they are so fine that it needs powerful 
magnifying aid to discern their shape and course, ultimately 



no VETERINARY H3MCEOPATHY. 

terminating in minute pouches or air cells; like the bronchial 
tubes the blood vessels which accompany them also become 
smaller and smaller until they are described as capillaries, and 
the membranes which form the walls of tubes and capillaries are 
so fine that the blood is readily exposed to the action of the air in 
the bronchial cells and the interchange of the chemical constitu- 
ents requisite for the maintenance of liie here takes place. The 
larger bronchial tubes are formed externally of a tough mem- 
brane, next to which is a la^^er of muscle and the internal parts or 
lumen of the tubes are lined with mucous membrane; it is desir- 
able to remember this in order to properly appreciate the meaning 
of bronchitis, one of the forms of disease hereafter to be referred to. 
Thus in considering the morbid conditions to which the lungs are 
liable it is necessary to bear in mind that there are three distinct 
parts which may either be separately and individually the seats of 
inflammation, or as is more generally the case in the horse, all 
three may be affected at one and the same time; namely, the 
bronchial tubes; the true lung substance and the pleura; when 
these are the seat of inflammation they are described respectively 
as bronchitis, pneumonia and pleurisy. 

BRONCHITIS. 

Inflammation of the bronchial tubes, like all kinds of inflamma- 
tion is preceded by congestion or excess of blood to the parts, and 
if only this congested condition is recognized in time, the difficulty 
and responsibility^ of treatment are materially modified, but unfor- 
tunately it is not often that during this stage the absolute state of 
affairs is discerned in the horse. Bearing in mind, what has 
already been stated, that the bronchial tubes are continuations of 
the windpipe, and that this portion of the lungs is of necessity 
the first to feel the effects of cold air it is not surprising that as a 
rule bronchitis develops itself before either pneumonia or pleurisy, 
though it must be clearly understood this is not an absolutely 
fixed rule. 

Exposure to cold and a consequent general lowering of the 
body temperature, more frequently than anything else accounts 
for bronchitis, but why the lungs should be the particular organs 
upon which the force of the inflammatory process is ultimately 
centered is not quite clear unless predisposing weakness either 



BRONCHITIS. 1 1 1 

from hereditary or other causes will account for it; as in the 
human subject, the horse is more liable to an attack of bronchitis 
in youth and old age, but at the same time there is no doubt that 
hygienic surroundings are frequently responsible for attacks of 
lung disease among mature animals that would come under neither 
categor}-; when stabled in close, hot, ill-ventilated habitations, 
where under the mistaken apprehension that heat is a necessity, 
horses are continually breathing a vitiated atmosphere, and there- 
after in course of ordinar}^ work, or special exercise for training 
purposes are either allowed to stand about in a cold northeast 
wand or inhale a cold, moist wind during violent exercise, it is 
not to be wondered if the bronchial tubes already surcharged with 
blood receive such a shock that the normal balance of the circula- 
tion is not restored and consequently that the air tubes are ren- 
dered exceptionably susceptible; this in itself will account for 
man}^ cases of bronchitis that under no other condition would be 
developed, hence the importance of providing healthy surround- 
ings for all classes of horses in places occupied during periods of 
rest or w^hen not activeh^ employed. Common cold is in a large 
proportion of instances the precursor of this fatal disease and it is 
impossible to exercise too much caution in order to prevent 
further developments when once the mucous membrane of the 
respiratory tract shows signs of becoming affected, for unless 
proper care is taken, there is no telling how far it may spread nor 
how serious may be the ultimate consequences; it is a ver}^ com- 
mon practice for the human subject to trifle with a simple cold 
and to make the remark " oh if s only a little cold, it will soon go 
off,'' but 'erelong, in numerous instances, bronchitis and pneu- 
monia follow and death supervenes, much to the surprise of those 
who are left to mourn the loss of a life that with due precaution 
need not have been sacrificed; the same applies to animals, espec- 
ially such as are coddled up in a hot stable one hour and the next 
exposed to the biting blast of a keen nor'easter with less clothing 
and bodily protection on than when in the stuffy stable. 

It has alread}' been observed that the bronchial tubes are con- 
tinuous, gradually dividing and subdividing, something like the 
branches of a tree, until the smallest tubes are so small of calibre 
that they cannot be discerned by the naked eye. Now, at first 
sight it may seem somewl:at singular, but it is nevertheless the 



112 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

fact, that the smaller the tubes affected with inflammation, the 
more dangerous is the form assumed by the disease and the greater 
the risk of its proving fatal. This is, in some measure, due to 
the fact that the larger tubes are invariably first attacked by in- 
flammation and the disease gradually spreads from smaller to 
smaller tubes until the whole tubal portion of the lungs is invaded, 
and in this way the disease gains a continuousl}^ growing hold 
upon this portion of the organs until no part remains free from its 
destructive influence. Moreover, the smaller the tubes the more 
easily are they blocked up with the exudation of mucus, which is 
due to the inflammatory process, and thus rendered useless for the 
purpose of the passage of air through them, breathing being ex- 
tremely difiicult, resulting in that feeling of suffocation which 
only those who have themselves suffered from bronchitis can 
appreciate. This serves to show how important it is to arrest the 
disease in its earlier stages, that is before it has extended beyond 
the larger bronchial tubes. In order to be able to decide how far 
the inflammation has penetrated resort must be had to auscultation 
or listening with the ear against the chest. When the larger 
tubes only are affected, the respiratory sounds will be deep and 
sonorous, and may be observed chiefly in the front of the chest, 
just underneath the windpipe; but when the disease has pene- 
trated to the deeper and consequently smaller ramifications of the 
tubal portion of the lungs, the sound is shrill and high pitched; 
to discern these properly, the ear must be pressed firmly against 
the ribs and the test applied anywhere over the region of the ribs 
on both sides. In the early stage of the disease, that is to say, - 
when the respective parts are first invaded, the sound is dry, but 
as it progresses this is displaced by a moist sound brought about 
by the secretion of fluent mucus which follows the dryness observ- 
able when the febrile conditions first result in an entire arrest in 
the secretion of the normal quantity of mucus from the internal 
membrane. 

Symptoms. — The first thing to draw the attention to the horse 
will be probably a short, dry cough; or possibly loss of appetite; 
the coat will be rough and staring, and the clinical thermometer 
will show that the temperature is higher than it ought to be; the 
pulse is rapid, probably 65 or 70 beats per minute; the breathing 
will comparatively be more frequent than the pulse; the horse will 



BRONCHITIS. 113 

give distinct evidence of thirst, and its general demeanor be de- 
cidedly listless; the mucous membrane lining the nose is redder 
than usual and in the early stage dr}'-; the same condition exists 
in the bronchial tubes, which accounts for the harsh sound 
observed on auscultating the chest; as the disease advances this 
dry condition of the lining membrane will be changed and replaced 
by an increased secretion of mucus, producing a moist sound; this 
is a favorable condition, as it is indicative of the fact that the in- 
flammation is subsiding; when the disease is at its height the 
animal rarely Hes down in consequence of the difficult}^ exper- 
ienced in breathing. At this period it is important to select those 
remedies which tend to assist in the expulsion of the accumulated 
mucus, otherwise some of the smaller bronchial tubes may become 
blocked up permanently, and the result will be what is known as 
thick wind^ a condition which, materially reduces the value of an 
animal and renders him unable to perform work which demands 
strong and continuous exertion. 

Treatment. — Aconite 3X. This is invariably the first remedy 
to be given to abate the febrile conditions; especially when the 
skin and mouth are dry and hot, and thirst is very pronounced; 
membrane lining nose dry and red; cough harsh, dry and short; 
urine scanty and high colored. 

Bryonia 3X, — After two or three preliminary doses of Aconite 
and the inflamed condition of the membrane of the windpipe has 
extended down to the point in the chest where it divides into two 
branches and enters the lungs Bryoyiia is the remedy; the Aconite 
may be discontinued; under Bryonia the dryness of the membrane 
which produced the short, dry cough, and particularly, if this is 
aggravated by motion, will be replaced b}^ a moist exudation; but 
when the disease has extended beyond this point Bryonia must 
not be relied upon as it has no effect upon the smaller bronchial 
tubes. 

Mercurius soliibilis 5. — This remedy has a great reputation for 
inflammatory bronchial affections, and is credited with the power 
of penetrating to the finest tubes; it certainly is peculiarly ef- 
fective under such conditions, when other symptoms, such as 
swollen glands, sore throat, slavering from the mouth, moist, soft 
cough are also observable. 

Antimonium tartaricu>n 6x. — This is an extremely serviceable 
8 



114 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

remedy at that period of the disease ^vheu the moist sounds are 
due to an accumulation of soft, white mucus that comes away in 
lumps; but especially, if the animal seems distressed in breathing 
by reason of want of power to expel the mucus; loud gurgling 
sounds will be heard in the windpipe and lungs generally ; the 
cough loose, accompanied with a rattling noise. 

Phosphorus 3X. — There is no doubt that this is one of the most 
valuable lung remedies we have, and that when its own peculiar 
disease producing effects are present, there is none to excel it; 
post mortem investigation in subjects poisoned by Phosphorus 
renders this fact very clear; but we believe that we shall be con- 
firmed in our opinion b}" recognized authorities, when we state 
that it is more in that complicated form of lung disease known as 
broncho-pneumonia, wherein the substance proper of the lungs, 
as well as the bronchial tubes are implicated, that it is indicated, 
of this we shall treat further on; at the same time, if the animal is 
suffering from a suppressed bronchial cough, sometimes loud, at 
others feeble, but alwa^'s attended with evident pain; the discharge 
from the nostrils scanty, but at the same time of a rusty color, 
and distinct evidence of physical exhaustion betrays itself, resort 
ma3^ reasonabh' be had to this potent remed}'. 

Arseniciun album 3X. — In cases where the effects of the disease 
in the very fine air tubes does not seem to have passed away, that 
is to say, in which the exudation of mucus therein has become 
consolidated, and the tubes consequently blocked up and rendered 
useless for respiratory purposes, this remedy if persisted with for 
sometime, will frequently afford relief and from the results which 
accrue from its administration, it is fair to assume that it effects a 
resolution of the consolidated tissue and brings about its re-ab- 
sorption; however, be the actual result what it may, the fact re- 
mains that persistent administration of ArsenicuTn enables the 
liorse to breathe more freely and renders it a more useful animal. 

Sulphur 3, as in other diseases, is in this also an excellent in- 
tercurrent remedy, and by its occasional administration appears 
to render valuable service, and seems to stir up an otherwise 
sluggish system to renewed vitalit3\ 



CONGESTION OF THE LUNGS. II5 

CONGESTION OF THE LUNGS— PLEURO-PNEUMONIA 
BRONCHO-PNEUMONIA. 

Inflammation of the proper lung tissue is invariabl)^ preceded by 
congestion when it appears as an independent diseased condition ; 
and it will, therefore, be well to consider what can be done for the 
congestion, as this frequently appears in the horse independently 
and may be arrested without pneumonia supervening at all; con- 
gestion is an accumulation of blood that ought to pass on in the 
ordinary course of circulation but doas not; congestion of the 
lungs is due to an engorgement of the bloodvessels which pene- 
trate the substance of the lung tissue to its deepest parts; it gen- 
erally occurs as the result of overexertion, especially in young 
animals that have not been properly trained or fitted for the work 
they are called upon to do; to exposure to wet and cold when in 
an exhausted condition; the respirations are performed in a ver}- 
laborious style; the horse evidently longs for fresh air, and if in a 
box will make for the first opening that can be found; the e3^es 
are bloodshot, and the pupils stare and stand out; the legs and 
body are deathly cold; pulse extremely weak and small but very 
rapid, often up to 120; breathing frequent, as many as 100 respira- 
tions a minute, or even more; the animal stands with his head de- 
pendent, almost to the ground, and has an anxious countenance; 
the dryness of the skin in some parts and the cold sweat that be- 
dews others are each the more noticeable by comparison; the 
mucous membranes of the nose and eyes are blue or even purple 
in color, and if the ears be placed over the region of the ribs a 
crackling noise is observable, due probably to the rapid exudation 
of fluid into the air tubes by reason of the tension from blood 
pressure. There is one remedy that we invariably use for this 
condition and have never known to fail, Amviojiucm causticuni 3X, 
twenty drops to a dose, repeated every fifteen minutes; if this is 
given in time and followed up the greatest confidence may l)e re- 
posed in it; but if the attack has been allowed to make headway 
resort must be had to Aconite and Phosphorus. 

Accessory measures will much facilitate matters and aid the 
remedy in its work; first, the animal must be got into a box in which 
fresh air without draughts abounds; if there is much cold sweat 
about the body wheat straw that is not broken should be laid 



Il6 VETERIXARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

lengthwise aiong the back, and over this two or three warm horse 
cloths placed; the straw is intended to aid the ventilation of the 
bod}^ and in getting up the heat; the legs should be hand-rubbed 
and then bandaged with thick flannel, and the ears also be firmly 
rubbed the wa}^ the hair lies; if the skin generalh^ is dry and there 
is no sweat, an effort must be made to induce a health}' perspira- 
tion b}' clothing the animal with several thick cloths and keeping 
the hood on when not rubbing the ears; if the horse will drink 
let him have as much tepid water as he will take, or previoush' 
boiled oatmeal ma}' be mixed with the water as an appetizer; as 
the perspiration is established care must be taken that the animal 
does not experience another chill; four men, two on each side, 
should set to work with straw wisps to dress it down for five 
minutes, after which the clothing should be replaced and continued 
attention given until the coat is dry and the respirations are calm 
and natural. 

PNEUMONIA. 

Under this heading we shall include all the forms which b}- 
pathologists are dealt with individually according to the particular 
tissues affected, as it is not necessar}^ to trouble the reader with a 
consideration of these minutiae because such differences as exist 
vdll be treated of under the various remedies according to the 
special symptoms developed by each respectively, we will, how^- 
ever, just explain that by pneumonia we refer to inflammation of 
the true lung substance, which consists of the connective tissue 
that serves to support and maintain in position the vast net work 
of air tubes that ramify its substances and form so large an integ- 
ral proportion of the breathing organs; pneumonia is, therefore, 
a simple term which applies to one description of tissue; but so 
intimately associated are all the component parts of the lungs, and 
so nearly allied the one with the other, that as has already been 
stated in a former chapter, it generally happens that, by a combi- 
nation of circumstances rarely combatted, an inflammation in one 
tissue extends to that adjoining, hence simple pneumonia assumes 
a compound aspect when the bronchial tubes are also affected and 
is desribed by pathologists as broncho-pneumonia, while yet again 
a second compound inflammator}' condition is estabUshed when 
the disease extends to the pleura, the fine membrane which en- 



PNEUMONIA. 117 

cases all the other parts, when we have to deal with pleuro-pneu- 
monia. To attempt, in such a work as ours, to explain all the 
varieties of morbid action arising out of a study of these three 
forms of pneumonic inflammation would not result in any useful 
purpose, as it w^ould necessitate a dissertation that after all would 
not assist the layman to treat and cure his animals, but would 
probably serve only to perplex and confound; moreover, the 
beauty of the homoeopathic system lies in its simplicity, and in 
the fact that the various phases of this disease are each discern- 
ible by the outward manifestations in the form of symptoms 
and these, w^hen compared with the drug symptomatology here- 
after indicated, will prove far more efiScacious and effectual for 
good to the practical horseman than the most profound study of 
all the intricate pathological developments which may be observed 
during the period this disease, in its varying forms, is making in- 
road upon the animal system. It is a recognized fact that under 
ordinary treatment the disease occupies an approximately fixed 
period of time from incubation to defervescence, and we believe 
that three weeks is the shortest time this process is recognized as 
occupying; the questions then that arise are, can the disease be 
entirely aborted if successfuly treated during the initiation 
period; or failing that, can the subsequent periods of its develop- 
ment be materially lessened and the cure effected in a shorter 
time ? From our own experience we believe that both these con- 
tingencies are capable of realization under suitable homoeopathic 
treatment; at the same time we distinctly recognize that there are 
under our own, as under any other treatment, distinctly recogniz- 
able phases through which the patient has to pass when once the 
disease has got that hold upon the system that the period has gone 
by when it might have been aborted during the incubative stage; 
to the allopath ist the bare suggestion of the possibility that such 
a disease can be aborted when once it has invaded the system will 
doubtless sound as puerile in the extreme; at the same time we 
are satisfied, that though very exceptional from the difficulty aris- 
ing out of uncertain timely recognition it is quite within the 
range of possibility or even probability. It is not necessary to 
refer again to the fact, that inflammation of these organs is gener- 
ally preceded by a chill that declares itself in the form of a com- 
mon cold any further than as a mere reminder; we shall there- 



Il8 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY, 

fore, pass on to the consideration of those symptoms which are 
pecuHar to the disease when once it is established; the incubative 
period is ushered in by occasional shivering, but the first attention 
would probably be directed to the coat, which stands up and has 
a very open appearance; on handling the horse the skin of the 
body generally, but especially that of the legs and ears, is very 
cold; having discovered this, a very short observation will note 
the rigors or shivering; the animal's individual appearance is sug- 
gestive of extreme languor; the mucous membranes lining eyes 
and nose are of a deep dark red, and they are tumified or swollen; 
the internal temperature will rise to 103 or 105 degrees; the pulse 
and respirations are much more frequent, the latter being some- 
times repeated as often as the former; the appetite fails entirely, 
and it is only by the exercise of considerable ingenuity that a 
horse can be induced to partake of nutriment in any form; indeed 
so marked is the anorexia in some cases, that the animal has to 
be drenched with food in small quantities of a highly nutritious 
liquid character to maintain the bodilj^ powers in any degree; in 
the majority of cases the animal maintains a standing posture, 
and never lies down until breathing is performed more easily by 
reason of the clearing up of the air tubes after defervesence 
of the disease; he stands with head stretched out, nostrils 
dilated, fore legs wide apart, and heaving flanks; the character of 
the pulse varies as the disease advances; in the early stage it is 
full and hard and numbers 80 or 90 beats per minute; thereafter 
it becomes softer, the artery feels full, but the actual beat of the 
heart is not readily discernible; in unfavorable cases the pulse 
thereafter becomes small and wiry and is increased in frequency 
to 120; the respirations are urgent and appear to give pain in 
their performance, especially is this the case when the pleural 
membrane is involved; under these conditions the horse appears 
afraid to turn or even move, and by way of confirmation that 
pleuro-pneumonia is present, pressure of the finger between any 
of the ribs will cause the animal to wince with pain; the difiiculty 
experienced in breathing is due, as in capillary bronchitis, to the 
fact that the air tubes, in their very small ramifications, are 
blocked up and there is no room for the air to pass in and out as 
the animal breathes, and in addition to this, those air tubes of the 
next larger calibre to the finest of all, where they are not abso- 



PNEUMONIA. 119 

lutely blocked up, are pressed upon by exudation into the sur- 
rounding connective tissue which is the result of the inflamma- 
tion, and consequently their size is reduced, and the air which is 
requisite for the proper interchange of its chemical constituents 
with the blood cannot pass in and the lack of the necessary 
oxygen produces a sense of suffocation. 

Auscultation of the chest does not do much more than reveal 
how large a portion of each lung is invaded by the inflammation, 
as in those cases where the proper lung tissue is affected the sound 
is that of general dulness; however when resolution of the exuda- 
tion takes place, the healthy respiratory murmur gradually re- 
turns, which serves as an indication of the speedy restoration to 
health of the patient. The urine is generally much reduced in 
quantity, and is of a high color; the faeces are dry, constipation 
and torpor of the bowels being generally present; should this 
condition turn to diarrhoea it may be accepted as a very unfavor- 
able indication and suggestive of typhoid complications — such as 
are observable in Newmarket fever, hereafter to be referred to in 
detail; in the advanced unmitigated form of the disease, abscesses 
develop in the deep-seated structure of the lungs, and are produc- 
tive not only of immediate danger, but if overcome the}^ fre- 
quently leave results behind, which interfere with the usefulness 
of the animal in a marked degree, the abscesses may form in the 
tubes or in the lung substance proper, but in either case they are 
very liable to spread from one tissue to the other, breaking down 
the walls of partition and leaving great cavities; this purulent 
form of disease is easily recognizable by the smell of the breath 
which is foetid and objectionable in the extreme. 

Treatment. — Aconite 3X should invariably take the first place, 
and that alone for a few doses; this is possibly the one remedy 
that is capable of aborting the disease if only it is given in time; 
true, one who is opposed to this line of treatment might say that 
at such a stage it is impossible to affirm positively that lung in- 
flammation was likely to become established, and therefore there 
is no reason in claiming that such a disease can be aborted; were 
it necessary or even useful to combat such an argument it might 
be attempted, but we do not think it would be and therefore rest 
contented with the bold assertion that we think there is justifica- 
tion in the claim made for the abortive powers of Aconite; as 



I20 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

usual the earh' indications for this drug are hard, full, bounding 
■ pulse; exalted temperature; quick respiration; red, swollen eyes; 
short, hacking cough; diminished urine, constipated bowels; on 
the other hand when, as is occasionally the case, the pulse is verj^ 
small, feeble, and hardly detectable, the respirations are almost as 
frequent as the pulse, and labored; the legs and ears are especially 
cold, accompanied with frequent fits of shivering a few frequent 
doses of Ammo7tmm causticiun 3X should precede the Aconite. 

Phosphorus 3X is unquestionably one of the chief remedies in 
j)7ieumonia , and especially in that form known as broncho-pneu- 
monia; in animals poisoned by phosphorus distinct hepatization 
w^as observable and therefore on homoeopathic principles it should 
prove serviceable where such phj^sical signs are observable. It is 
a capital remed\' to follow Aconite, or to be given in alternation 
with it, when the internal temperature keeps up, and under such 
circumstances doses of first one and then the other should be 
administered every two hours; one of the principal symptoms 
occurring in this disease which speciall}^ indicate that Phosphorus 
is the most suitable remedy is the discharge of red or rusty-colored 
mucus from the nostrils; when this is present it will be better to 
rely entirely and alone on Phosphorus, and discontinue Aco?iite if 
that has previously been giv^en in alternation. 

Chelidonium majiis 9. — We were indebted to Dr. Hughes' 
' ' Pharmacodynamics ' ' for drawing our attention to the value of 
this remedy under the following special conditions, and can from 
the experience gained in one or two cases, confirm this gentleman's 
conclusions. It is by no means an unusual coincidence that in 
pyieumonia in the horse there are liver complications, as evidenced 
by the yellow color of the mucous membranes of eyes and mouth; 
pressure over the seat of the liver, close up against the last rib on 
the off side, will reveal considerable tenderness, the horse wnll 
wince and draw away from 3'ou; and in the cases referred to the 
right lung was principally involved, while urgent and frequent 
coughing was specially noticeable ; the influence of the remedy in 
these particular cases was very marked; the cough was relieved 
in a srreat measure w^ithin two davs, the vellow color of the mem- 
branes gradually changed to a normal pink, and the diseased lung 
undervrent the desired changes until no unnatural condition was 
obsen^able; as we have had certainly two cases of this sort, and 



PNEUMONIA. 121 

both went on in much the same way, we consider that they serve 
to confirm Dr. Hughes' views concerning the special indications 
for this drug in a remarkable and very satisfactory manner. 

Bryonia 3X. — When deposition of formed material has taken 
place in the true lung tissue, and that form of the disease known 
as pleuro-pneiunoiiia is developed, which, as before stated, can 
readil}^ be recognized by the pain the animal evinces as the result 
of pressure between the ribs, this is a splendid remedy; further 
evidence of this state of things may also be gleaned from the 
nature of the animal's cough, which is short, painful and catchy, 
an effort is evidently being made to suppress the cough, if possible; 
if this is of the dry character, as though there were no mucus to 
cough up, and the membranes were harsh, it serves as an addi- 
tional indication for Bryonia, under the influence of which the 
tickling that serves to excite the continuous cough is relieved; 
the liver also comes under the same category, provided the 3'ellow 
color of eyes and mouth is neither too deep nor pronounced; when 
the discharge through the nose is profuse and rusty colored in 
conjunction with the symptoms previously mentioned as peculiar 
to Bryonia, it wall be well to alternate this remedy With. Phosphorus; 
but alternation of remedies is, in our judgment, only permissible in 
such diseases as this, w^here two or three pathological processes 
are going on at the same time; to be strictly in accord wath 
Hahnemann it should be noted that alternation of remedies is only 
very occasionally allowable. 

Antimonijiyn tartariciim 6x. — Although this agent has been 
relied upon among medical practitioners for the human subject in 
the old system, it is not often prescribed by veterinarians and as 
is ably pointed out by Dr. Hughes, it is not in the earlier stages 
of pneumonia that it is likely to prove efficacious; this fact we 
are able to confirm from experience among horses and cows; but 
there is a period in the course of the disease in which it exercises 
a very marked effect for good; we have already endeavored to 
make it clear that as this inflammation progresses, the smallest air 
tubes and cells beome blocked up with a fluid effusion that ulti- 
mately becomes formed into a more solid form and also that a fluid 
exudation takes place into the mesh-like fibres that go to make up 
the true lung tissue, surrounding the air tubes, which in turn 
assume a solid tissue, or, as it is described in pathology ' 'formed 



122 YETERIXARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

material; ^^ now, in reference to boih these conditions it is quite 
clear that before the lung can be restored to a healthy state and 
rendered capable of performing the function of respiration aright, 
this formed material, which is certainly a foreign body must be 
removed; this is performed by what is commonly called " resolu- 
tion ' ' by which we must understand that the formed material or 
solid tissue situate in and around the air tubes has to be resolved 
into a fluid again, taken up by the various blood vessels and lym- 
pathics and in this wa}- be conveyed out of the s^'stem: very 
frequently while this process of resolution is going on. the formed 
material does not become fluid enough, nor have the air tubes 
sufficient power and vitality to expel it in its more solid form in 
the shape of expectoration, therefore some remedy is called for 
that will facilitate the process and render it possible to get rid of 
this accumulation; Antim. tart, will as a rule effect the desired end 
and afford the patient the relief so urgent!}' needed; in order to 
determine the proper time for the administration listen carefully 
with the ear against the ribs in various positions for a bubbling 
or rattling sound, as though air was passing forcibly through 
water, while at the same time the horse evinces difficulty in breath- 
ing and seems well nigh choked by the partial rising of a large 
quantity of soft mucus which he cannot quite succeed in expell- 
ing. 

Arsejiicum album 3X is called for not infrequently in cases that 
after progressing so far discontinue improvement and fall back 
again; especially in cases that assume a t\'phoid form; diarrhoea, 
increased fever, weak, small, wiry pulse, effusion of fluid into the 
chest, (which may be discovered by pulling one foreleg fore ward 
and listening at the bottom of the chest, w^hen a dripping as of 
water into a well may be heard. ) increased difficulty of breathing: 
restlessness, unwillingness, more than ever, to lie down: no appe- 
tite, but increased thirst; cold, clammy condition of mouth and 
wings of the nostrils; extreme prostration, are the indications for 
this remedy. 

It is further useful in conjunction with Phosphorus (jiot ad- 
ministered togr ether ) in those cases where resolution of the formed 
material has not taken place thoroughly, and, so called thick ii-iyid 
is the consequence; a week of Arsenicum followed by a week of 
Phosphorus will often materiall}* improve such a case, especially 



PI.EURISY. 123 

if one intermediate dose of Sulphur 12, consisting of fifteen grains 
be administered. 

China 0. — In cases that have progressed satisfactorily to con- 
valescence and no bad results are left behind, complete restora- 
tion to health will be considerably facilitated by administering a 
ten-drop dose of China 9 night and morning for a week or fort- 
night or even longer, provided the animal continues to go on well 
and improve; otherwise it should be discontinued and one dose of 
Sulphur 12, as mentioned above be given to complete the cure. 

PLEURISY. 

We have already endeavored to explain that the outer covering 
of the lungs, the membrane which serves to enclose them is called 
the pleura; a membrane in all respects very similar in character 
and appearance to this, also covers the internal portion of the 
cavity of the chest, namely, that which is inclosed within the ribs, 
and as both have a smooth, shining, glazed surface, the}^ are able 
to rub together in health without either noise or sensation, but 
when once inflamed a very different state of affairs arises; it must 
be understood that during life there is no space between the lungs 
and the wall of the chest, therefore it is necessary that the mem- 
branes (pleura) covering both lung and chest walls should be per- 
fectly smooth, that the lungs may, as they move, glide easily over 
the inner surface of the chest walls; let inflammation, however, 
attack this delicate membrane and it no longer glides easily upon 
itself; a roughness is the result, which, as the lungs move in the 
act of respiration, produce great pain and auscultation reveals the 
frictional sound, due to two rough surfaces playing one upon the 
other; such a sound as is observable when course sand or very fine 
gravel is rubbed between the closely approximated palms of the 
hands. 

The inflammatory action may center itself directh^ and inde- 
pendently upon the pleural membrane, in which case it generally 
owes its origin to cold and other meteorological influences; or, it 
may be due to injury; in most cases, however, it is associated with 
inflammation of contiguous portions of the respiratory organs or 
diseases of the heart. In health, this very finely constructed 
membrane secretes a fluid sufficient in quantity only to lubricate 
it, and so render one part capable of gliding easily upon the 



124 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

Other, but when inflammation sets in, from whatever cause, the 
secretion is arrested and the membrane is rendered drj^ and rough. 
After a short time this dryness is succeeded by an excess of fluid 
secretion, (dissimilar in character from the normal, health}' secre- 
tion,) which is so constituted that in a short period, if not taken 
up by the vessels again, it forms into organized material of a 
fibrous character that becomes interw^oven, and so the lungs ma}^ 
become actually adherent to the walls of the chest and unable to 
move wnth the freedom requisite for comfortable breathing. It is 
in connection with pleurisy that we get what is commonly know^n 
as dropsy of the chest, because of the great quantity of fluid that 
is poured out it becomes necessary for the allopath to tap the chest, 
if only to give some relief to the pressure which this excess of 
fluid produces; unfortunate!}', however, the mere fact of drawing 
off a portion of the water on the chest does not do away with the 
cause w^hich produces it, and hence the cavity of the chest soon 
refils and the difl&culty of breathing is as great as ever; here again 
Homoeopath}' steps in to effect by therapeutical measures what sur- 
geons fail to realize; the remedies necessary for combatting this 
painful, and while it lasts, distressing condition are few but mar- 
vellously effective, so much so that if the tendency to form fluid 
is discovered earlj^, it may be arrested before any serious conse- 
quences arise, that which is already formed becoming reabsorbed 
and passed out of the sj'stem through the urinary organs. But 
first we must recapitulate the main symptoms; chilliness and slight 
shivering usually precede the development of the more character- 
istic indications, attended by an exalted temperature, rapid, hard 
pulse and quickened breathing; the difficult}^ of breathing is ac- 
centuated by the evident pain caused in the performance of the 
function; when the horse draws his breath in, he frequently coughs, 
when he expires or lets it out, the act is frequently effected at 
twice as it were; that is to say, a pause in expiration takes place; 
the animal experiences considerable pain in turning round; the 
breathing is chiefly performed by the abdominal muscles, namely 
those behind the ribs, with a view, no doubt, to save as much 
pain as possible to the chest, and in the abdominal locality the ex- 
ternal muscles are corrugated, especially if one lung is more 
affected than its fellow; pressure of the finger-point between the 
intervening spaces of the ribs will cause the patient to wince and 



PI.EURISY. 125 

move away and in the act of turning round the animal very fre- 
quently grunts with pain. The individual peculiarity of the 
cough in pleurisy is marked by the evident effort of the animal to 
suppress it by tr3dng to break off in the middle of the act. 

Treatment. — In the first stage, when the febrile symptoms 
initiate the invasion of pleurisy, a few doses of Aconite 3X may 
be administered with great advantage; but when the disease is not 
discovered until the recognized indications of pleurisy are dis- 
tinctly observable Bryonia 3X alone may be confidently relied on, 
a dose every three or four hours; this is due to the fact that 
Bryonia exercises a specific action upon such membranes as those 
of which the pleura is a notable example; these membranes differ 
entirely from the so-called mucous membranes that line the in- 
ternal parts of the digestive and other organs; in the first place, 
they occupy a different position anatomically, being located ex- 
ternally, as a covering to the organs they protect; and, secondly, 
their functions differ materially from mucous membrane; they are 
called serous membranes and are capable of producing a fluid or 
exudation, hence the excessive quantity of fluid formed in a case 
of pleurisy w^hen this membrane is inflamed. 

Apis mellifica ix. — In long-standing cases, where the reabsorp- 
tion of the fluid in the chest is not fully completed, this remedy 
will often prove effective in bringing about the desired result; it 
doubtless exercises a specific action upon the serous membranes 
and at the same time stimulates the kidneys to the performance of 
the onerous duties which fall upon these organs when an excess of 
fluid has to be got rid of from some distant part. 

Arsenicum album 3X. — This remedy also may often prove more 
effective in getting rid of old-standing dropsies of the chest, and 
among other symptoms by which it may be recognized as displac- 
ing Apis mel. , is the fact that the patient wants to drink a little 
and often, whereas when Apis mel. is indicated thirst is repressed 
and noticeable by its absence; furthermore, when the heart is as- 
sociated with the dropsical condition of the chest, this remedy will 
often prove to be specially called for, as it exercises a profound in- 
fluence upon the vital organ referred to; palpitation, in conjunction 
with great difficulty in breathing, by reason of the oppression 
experienced from the dropsical condition, should suggest this 
remedy. 



126 VETERINARY I-IOMOEOPATHY. 

Hepar sulphur 6x. — In some cases where an animal is not favor- 
ably located from a hygienic standpoint, and the general surround- 
ings are not of a healthy character, the fluid which is effused into 
the cavity of the chest is not reabsorbed and ultimately assumes 
the form of pus (or matter); while, at the same time, some of the 
fluid becomes organized and membranes are formed which bring 
about adhesions of the lungs to the walls of the chest; under 
these circumstances this remedy will frequently afford relief, by 
altering the character of the exuded fluid and effecting resolution 
of the false membranes. 

Accessory measures are in all these lung complications to be 
observed much as in all enervating diseases; the animal should be 
placed in large, airy boxes; be kept free from draughts; be sup- 
plied with abundance of clean bedding; be well clothed and have 
just as much of the most easily digestible food as he will take at one 
time, such as mashes, boiled oats, green food, carrots, and so on; 
if the bowels are very constipated resort may be had to tepid 
enema injections to relieve the discomfort arising from undue 
pressure upon the walls of the rectum; only under circumstances 
of extreme exigency should alcoholic stimulants be resorted to; 
and then Scotch whiskey in milk is the best that can be given. 

ASTHMA— BROKEN WIND. 

By some eminent veterinary pathologists asthma and broken 
wind are considered to belong to distinct classifications, and 
notably the late Professor Robertson seems to have held this opin- 
ion; for our own part we consider them to belong to one and the 
same morbid condition, placing asthma first, as representing the 
the acute form, and broken wind, second, as representing the 
chronic form, and we are the more inclined to maintain this posi- 
tion from the fact that the remedies which serve to cure the one 
are equally capable of relieving the other. The mode of respira- 
tion and the character of the cough are very similar in each, the 
only difference recognizable being that in so-called asthma the 
attacks come on periodically with intervening periods of relief, 
while in broken wind the symptoms continue without intermission. 

Symptoms. — In the earlier stages of the disease, namel}^, that 
which is described as asthma by such as believe that the disease 
is distinct from broken wind, the difficulty of breathing is spas- 



ASTHMA — BROKEN WIND. 1 27 

modic, the inspiration or drawing in of the breath being performed 
easily and quickly, while the expiration or expulsion of air from 
the chest is performed w-ith some difficult}^ and frequently a dis- 
tinct pause takes place in the act, dividing it, as it were, into two 
separate acts; if the ear be placed over the chest a wheezing noise 
is readily detectable, and the cough is short, quick and difficult of 
performance; the symptoms while they last produce an expression 
of anxiety; they are urgent, and soon bring on evident exhaus- 
tion; but the greater the severity the shorter time they continue. 
In the more chronic form of the disease, according to one view, 
when it w^ould be recognized as broken wind by those who differ- 
entiate betw^een the tw^o conditions, there is not much alteration 
in the act of inspiration, but expiration is rendered much more 
difficult and labored; the muscles of the abdomen become con- 
tracted, forming a ridge which is observable from the lower part 
of the hip bone to the bottom of the ribs, and the double effort at 
expiration will be easily noted by the rolling motion of these 
muscles being arrested, and recommencing in the one act of 
expiration. The cough of broken wind is soft, and more resem- 
bles a grunt which is wanting in force; the animal seems unable 
to expel as he would like to do, and the cough is easily excited 
by exercise, eating and drinking, by a poke in the ribs or any 
similar disturbance. The sounds observable by auscultation are 
not reliable, as they differ in various cases. The digestive s\'stem 
would appear to exercise considerable influence in the production 
of this condition, hence we can only conclude that the nervous 
system plays no insignificant part in connecting the two systems; 
moreover, care in dieting invariably assists in alleviating the more 
acute symptoms; to attempt to explain the relation between cause 
and effect would take up too much space, and probably involve an 
argument in physiology that would hardly be appreciated in this 
work. 

Treatment. — If the disease • is fortunately detected in its 
earlier stage Digitaline 3X administered three times a day will 
usually arrest the development of the more chronic form and effect 
a cure. 

Arsenicum album 3X takes the next place in the rota of remedial 
agents. 

Nux vomica ix is specially indicated when the disease can be 



128 VETERINARY HOMGEOPATHY. 

distinctly traced to the digestive organs, as indicated by a readily 
observable symptom, namel}', the passing of flatus (or wind_) from 
the anus when the animal coughs. 

Ipecacuanha ysL is a useful remedy in the earh' stages of asthma 
when the paroxysms are associated with digestive troubles, and 
these may also be traced to a slightly inflamed condition of the 
respiratory tract, such as running at the nose and ej^es. 

Lobelia ix is undoubtedly an excellent remedy for some cases, 
namely, those in which the paroxysms of coughing and difficulty 
of breathing are specially aggravated by exertion or movement; 
distention of the abdomen, and passing much water and that 
frequently, are corroborative indications for this drug. 

Sulphur 12. — Independently of the marvellous power which 
this drug seems to possess of arousing the system to a higher 
susceptibilty to the action of drugs, it would appear from Dr. 
Hughes' Pharmacodynamics that it also enjoys a reputation in 
human practice for a specific power to control chronic asthma; 
however this may be, we are able to add our testimon}^ in support 
of this view, as several cases of some long standing that had, 
according to the position we maintain, arrived at the stage of 
broken wind (emphysema) yielded to the action of Sulphur 12, 
at the same time it is only fair to add that the patient had for 
several weeks previoush" been receiving /4r5^?^zV^^w album 6x, but 
with only slight indications of improvement; the question there- 
fore arises, was the action of the Sulphur specific and individual, 
or did it serve to arouse the system to the action of the Arseni- 
cum alb.; it is, of course, impossible to assert dogmatically which 
was its action, although after consulting Dr. Hughes' work we 
incline to the opinion that the Sulphur acted independently; any- 
how the result of the treatment was satisfactor}^, and where 
Arsenicum fails, we commend the use of Sulphur. 

Accessory Measures undoubtedly exercise a potent influence 
upon whatever remedial measures may be adopted to overcome 
this troublesome form of disease, which, for some unaccountable 
reason, appears to find a readier seat of action among the hea\^ 
class of horses than those that are better bred. 

The consideration of the diet to be allowed to a broken- winded 
animal is all important; bulky food must be avoided; straw and 
hay, with chaff of the same, had better be withheld, or only given 



NEWMARKET FEVER. 1 29 

in very small quantities; to make up for this oats that have been 
carefully crushed, with a suitable proportion of cracked beans or 
split peas must be given in increased quantity by fifty per cent, to 
that which the horse would receive were it in receipt of the 
common mixture of hay or chaff; and succulent diet such as 
vetches, clover and lucerne in the summer, and carrots in the 
winter should be allowed in moderate quantity as aids to nutrition 
on the one hand and digestion on the other; if the horse has fast 
work to perform care must be observed to so order the time of the 
meals that the w^ork has not to be performed upon a full stomach. 
During the daytime the horse's head should be tied up short to 
prevent the possibility of getting at bedding straw, and at night 
when head must of necessity be let down, a muzzle should in- 
variabl}^ be used; in order to avoid the practice of taking large 
quantities of fluid at one time it is a good plan to have a constant 
supply always available, as under these circumstances only small 
quantities of water will be taken in the stomach at one time. 

NEWMARKET FEVER. 

Gentlemen who take an interest in sport, and racing in particu- 
lar, have doubtless often read in English sporting papers of a 
disease called "'N'ewmarket Fever ^'^ and as it is frequently de- 
scribed as very fatal, and by some writers as infectious and there- 
fore likely to spread through a stud, it maj^ be of some servdce to 
devote a chapter to the consideration of its principal characteris- 
tics, more especially as some of the leading sportsmen in the 
United States are sending over their thoroughbreds to compete on 
our English race-courses. 

With a view to confirmation as to the pathology of the disease 
we placed ourselves in communication with one of the most emi- 
nent resident veterinary practitioners in Newmarket, Mr. E. H. 
Leach, F. R. C. V. S.; who promptly and very kindly furnished 
some interesting details of cases that had passed through his 
hands, and a post-mortem specimen consisting of a piece of a lung 
taken from a two-year-old filly, which had been a subject of the 
disease, and with great pleasure we own our thankful indebted- 
ness to Mr. Leach for the trouble he took in this matter. The 
disease, according to this eminent practitioner, is called ^^Ncw- 
9 



130 VKTKRINARY HOMOeOPATHY. 

viarket Fever ^' in Newmarket and the sporting papers and no 
where else; it is in fact a local term that has gained world-wide 
notoriet}^ — it is generally known elsewhere, says Mr. Leach, as 
infectious pleuro-pneumonia, typhoid pneumonia and influenza; 
from the post-mortem specimen which Mr. Leach kindly for- 
warded for our inspection, we formed the opinion that the filly 
from w^hich this was taken had been the subject of septic pleuro- 
pneumonia, by which we mean that the case was one of very acute 
pleuro-pneumonia in the first instance followed by and intensified 
by blood poisoning; the symptoms as furnished by Mr. Leach 
were, when he was called in, "blowing, o3 feed, temperature 105.2 
degrees, pulse 78, respirations 44 per minute; visible mucous 
membranes a nast}^ pink5^-yellow ; legs and ears cold; bowels 
rather costive. Next morning filly about the same except that 
her temperature was 103.2 degrees, and she had eaten about a 
double handful of mash and drank half a pail of water. In the 
evening about the same. Next morning temperature 105.4 ^^" 
grees, breathing worse, discharge from nostrils mixed with blood. 
. As the filly was a very bad specimen of a race-horse, being small 
and weedy, I, with the consent of the owner, killed her." 

Judging from the advanced stage to which the disease had 
attained, as evidenced by the condition of the piece of lung we 
received, there is very little doubt that Mr. Leach was called in 
some days after the animal was taken ill, and in consequence the 
opportunities of effecting a cure were considerably reduced, and 
Mr. Leach was severely handicapped in his treatment thereby. 

Mr. Leach does not consider the disease so very fatal as the 
sporting papers would in the past have led us to believe, and he 
considers that on an average of several years a loss of five or six 
per cent, would fairly represent deaths from ^'Newmarket Fever;'' 
moreover, he is, from past experience, of opinion that most cases 
recover rapidly and the animals do not appear any worse after- 
wards, unless they be such bad cases as the one before referred to, 
Avhen they frequently go roarers, or as we should describe it, they 
make a noise, to distinguish a lung affection from that of the 
larynx. Although we cannot claim to have had any experience 
of cases of the local form of the disease, we have had our fair 
share in other places of cases that are doubtless, pathologically, 
the same disease, hence our reason for venturing to give a sug- 



NEWMARKET FEVER. 131 

gestion that the disease is really septic pleuro-pneumonia. By- 
Mr. Leach's invitation we gave him our idea of the line of treat- 
ment such a case would call for, and it was as follows: In the first 
place Aconite 3X a dose every two or three hours would have been 
the first remedy when called in, to be followed, after three doses, 
by Bryonia 3X; if, as was the case with Mr. Leach, the mucous 
discharge from the nostrils ultimately became colored with blood, 
our remedy would" certainly have been Phosphorus -g-J-Q, and had 
the symptoms of septic poisoning supervened Lachesis 5 would 
have been resorted to. The reason which, in our judgment, 
accounts for cases of this sort becoming ill at all, is not that it is 
of an infectious character, but that it owes its development to an 
over-heated atmosphere of the stable which is supercharged with 
effete material emanating from the breath of the horses; and 
when these cases develop typhoid or septic characteristics it is due 
to a lack of good sanitation and hygiene: the stables are over- 
crowded according to the cubic area, and the ventilation at the 
best is always imperfect and very generally, actually faulty. 
With all due deference to Mr. Leach's opinion we are unable to 
agree with him that animals the subject of this disease rapidly get 
well; doubtless from Mr. Leach's experience, it is so at New- 
market, but not in London and Liverpool, which are the places 
Avhere our cases were located. Further, our opinion is that in 
patients whose lungs the disease has invaded pretty thoroughly, 
the chance of rendering them useful, at all events for fast work, is 
remote under Allopathy; but with such homoeopathic remedies as 
Bryonia, Phosphorus and Arsenicum album the prospects are 
bright and promising, and it behoves owners of flat racers, 
steeple chasers and trotters, if they would save their animals from 
developing into ''Musicians'' after being the subjects of inflam- 
mation of the lungs or bronchitis to see to it that they are pulled 
through the illness with this sort of treatment. 



DISEASES OF CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 



Before entering upon a consideration of the diseases which affect 
the different parts that go to make up the circulatory system, by 
means of and through which the blood traverses the body, an at- 
tempt must be made to explain of w^hat these parts consist and 
how the function of the circulation of the blood is maintained and 
carried on. In order to keep up that regular and constant flow of 
blood through all the intricate channels of the animal frame that 
is necessar}^ for the maintenance of life and health, it will be ap- 
parent that some force or driving power is an essential requisite; 
without such force it would be no more possible that the body of 
fluid, which is represented in the animal body by blood, could be 
kept constantly and regularly flowing than that a number of rail- 
wa}^ carriages can be kept moving without the power generated in 
the engine by means of steam; the weight of the fluid demands a 
propelling power to keep the same in motion. The engine which 
keeps the blood flowing is the heart; this organ is situate in the 
cavity where the lungs are located, and its position is intermediate 
between the two lungs, rather nearer the front than the back of 
the chest; the heart is covered externally by a very fine mem- 
brane called the pericardium, which has a smooth surface out- 
wardly, so that it may glide easily against the outer surface of the 
lungs, alread}^ described as the pleura. The heart is divided into 
four compartments or chambers, two above, called auricles, and 
two below, called ventricles; an auricle over a ventricle on the 
right side, which communicate wuth one another b}^ orifices that can 
be closed by means of valves, and the same on the left side of the 
heart. In connection with the heart there are sets of tubes which 
convey the blood away; the first is that which passes the blood 
from the right ventricle through the capillaries of the lungs that 
the blood may come in contact with the fresh-air passage in and 
out as the animal breathes, in order that it may be purified; it 
then returns through the pulmonary veins back into the left 

132 



DISEASES OF THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. 1 33 

auricle of the heart, and from this into the left ventricle, directly 
under it, in connection with which is the largest blood tube of the 
body, called the aorta; from this large tube branches, called 
arteries, divide and subdivide to the various parts and organs of 
the body; these arteries or branches of the aorta in the course of 
their distribution over the system become so small and fine that 
the name capillaries has been given to them; in the course of its 
passage through these capillaries the blood undergoes considerable 
change, as may be noted from the alteration in color; from a vivid 
bright red it becomes dark or blue red, and having thus done its 
work it becomes necessary to return it to the heart to be repurified, 
and so it passes from the capilliaries into the veins, which in turn 
become gradually larger and larger, until the whole stream is col- 
lected into two large tubes which empty themselves again into the 
right auricle of the heart, and here the round of circulation begins 
once more. The heart itself consists of muscular w^alls of varying 
thickness, and by means of the contractile powers of these muscu- 
lar walls, which are stimulated to action by the nervous system, 
the blood is propelled into the arteries, thence through the capil- 
laries and back again through the veins; each time the heart con- 
tracts a certain quantity of blood is driven forcibly into the aorta, 
and that w^hich is expelled at one contraction forces further on 
that quantity which preceded it, and so on as each contraction ful- 
fils its work, until continuous pressure on the whole stream is kept 
up from behind, and so the circulation is maintained; it is con- 
sidered that the walls of the arteries by means of their elastic 
recoil contribute some force to aid the heart in the performance of 
its function; the arteries are open tubes with no internal obstacles 
to the flow of blood, and their walls consist of muscular and 
elastic fibres which expand as the heart contracts and forces blood 
into them; while during the pause which takes place when the 
heart is momentarily at rest, in consequence of there being no 
pressure, recoil of the elastic fibres takes place and in this way 
the blood is kept in motion. The veins assist the circulation 
through the medium of cup-shaped valves, w^hicli are attached to 
their inner walls; the object of these being to prevent the blood 
from receding or moving backwards; during the period of con- 
traction, when the blood is being forced on in its proper direction, 
these cup-shaped valves lie flat against the wall of the veins, and 



134 VKTERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

leave a free onward course for the blood; but during the interval 
of rest, between the heart contractions, when the blood would 
otherwise recede backward, they fill out and so offer a complete 
barrier to a backward motion. 

It will thus be clear that any interference with the health}^ con- 
ditions of the walls of the heart, or with the valves that divide one 
compartment of the organ from another, or yet again, with the 
arteries or veins, must of necessity seriously impede the regu- 
lar and continuous flow of blood through the system. At the 
same time it is hardly necessary to add that any obstruction to the 
maintenance of a regular and continuous circulation of the vital 
fluid cannot be other than seriously detrimental to health, bearing 
which in mind, we shall proceed to consider the various phases of 
disorder to which the heart and its subsidiary conduits or tubes 
are liable. We are strongly of opinion that in the- horse the heart 
is the seat of disease far oftener than is generally admitted; several 
prominent cases have come under our notice in which valuable 
racehorses, whose running in public was altogether inexplicable, 
were the subjects of heart disease, with reference to which, had 
they been professionally examined with a view to determine the 
state of this organ, it is highly probable there would have been no 
difficulty in determining what was really wrong; as it was, all 
sorts of reasons were assigned for the failure of these animals to 
win races which were considered on some of their form to be abso- 
lutely^ at their mercy; some attributed their " shutting up " in the 
middle of a race to temper, others to the belief that they were 
*' non-stayers " — the fact really being that the valves of the heart 
were diseased and were therefore unable to properly fulfill their 
functions; the heart itself, in consequence, was overloaded with 
blood, and a sense of suffocation experienced which absolutely de- 
prived the animals of the power to keep up top speed for the nec- 
essary distance; ultimately each of these horses died suddenly, one 
of them just after he had passed the winning post, to the imminent 
risk of the jockey, who fortunately, however, escaped with nothing 
more serious than a severe shaking; these facts, however, go to 
prove that the possibility of heart disease, even when health gen- 
erally appears good, should not be overlooked . The methods of ex- 
amination to determine whether the organ is affected or not cannot, 
in the case of a layman, be other than very restricted; at the same 



DISEASES OF THE CIRCUI.ATORY SYSTEM. 1 35 

time, we hope to be able to suggest such methods of procedure as 
shall at least be sufficient to arouse suspicion, which it would be 
well afterwards to have confirmed by an experienced veterinarian; 
but here we must draw attention to the fact that among allopaths 
the treatment of heart disease is well-nigh exclusively confined to 
the administration of tonics, with a view to the building up of the 
constitution generally, and to the ultimate throwing off the heart 
disease as the result thereof; they do not recognize the possibility 
of specific drug action upon the various morbid conditions affect- 
ing the organ or any of its constituent anatomical parts; in this 
the homoeopath has a distinct advantage, as will be seen when we 
deal with the subject of treatment. 

Physical examination of an animal to detect heart disease is 
conducted by ''palpation,'" that is, applying the hand over the 
region of the heart to feel, if possible, the character of the im- 
pulse; or, better still, by ''auscultation,'" namely, listening to the 
heart's sounds with the naked ear or by the application of an in- 
strument known as the stethoscope; in order to do this satisfac- 
torily the ear or the stethoscope must be applied directly over the 
space in the chest, nearest to which the heart approaches, which 
is discovered by lifting up the near foreleg, pulling the same 
straightforward, and selecting the lowest part of the chest as far 
forward as the extended leg will allow, where the muscles over 
the ribs are the least thick; in this position the sounds of the heart 
will be distinctly observable, and there will be no difficult}^ in detect- 
ing any irregularities, always bearing in mind that for every con- 
traction of the heart, which is equivalent to one beat of the pulse 
when the same is felt in an artery, there are two sounds which 
maybe expressed by the words " lubb dub;" one — the first — soft 
and prolonged, the other — the second — short and sharp; the first 
sound is the result of the driving of the blood from the auricles 
into the ventricles, and is produced by the closing of the valves 
which serve to divide the two upper compartments, the auricles, 
from the two lower compartments, the ventricles; the second, 
short, sharp sound is due in like manner to the valves which close 
the outlets of the ventricles, namely, the artery which leads to the 
lungs, and the aorta, or large tube, which conveys the blood all 
over the body. At this point we should strongly recommend any 
one who desires to turn to good account what follows, to practice 



136 VKTKRINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

on a healthy horse, in order to become acquainted, as far as it is 
possible, with the normal heart sounds; in this way experience 
will be obtained that will enable one the more readily to detect 
abnormal sounds and movements. 

Disturbance of the heart's action is due to two distinct causes, 
namel}', first to interference with the healthy performance of its 
functions w^hich arises from a want of balance in the nerve supply 
and also from irregularities of the digestive organs; and second, to 
organic and structural alteration, such as thickening or thinning 
of the muscular walls of the heart; dilatation or lessening of the 
cavities in size; thickening of the valves due to inflammation of 
the serous membrane which lines the cavities and covers the 
valves. 

PALPITATION. 

It wall be well to give some careful attention to the considera- 
tion of this disorder, because we believe that among the higher- 
bred class of horses, especially those kept for racing purposes, 
owners and trainers frequently erroneously attribute the failure of 
their charges to defective respiration, whereas the weak spot is 
the heart; palpitation comes under the category of a functional 
disorder, and may therefore be the more easily controlled, if the 
right measures are resorted to. Blood horses are of essentially^ 
excitable and highly-nervous temperaments, which fact alone is 
sufiicient to account for many cases of palpitation, and although 
very little importance has hitherto attached to cardiac diseases 
among the great number of the veterinary profession, we have no 
hesitation in affirming that palpitation occurs much more fre- 
quentl}' among highly-bred horses than is generally acknowledged. 
This want of recognition may probably be accounted for by the 
fact that a horse may be the subject of it and yet keep up the 
appearance of an animal in the bloom of health, betraying no out- 
w^ard and visible signs of weakness beyond hurried breathing after 
a sharp gallop; under such circumstances trainers and owners, who 
do not possess even an elementary acquaintance with physiology, 
would naturally attribute this to the wind, and inasmuch as these 
gentlemen are, as a rule, very well contented to rely upon their 
own knowledge, the real truth never comes out; and, though we 
regret to have to state the opinion, we fear that not a few profes- 



PAI.PITATION. 127 

sional veterinarians might also overlook the cause, unless particu- 
larly requested to make a most careful examination for a client 
who did not object to pay a suitable fee for the extra special at- 
tention such cases demand. Whatever may be the exciting cause 
of the palpitation, it is characterized by increased frequency in 
and force of the heart's contractions, at times so tumultuous that 
it is well-nigh impossible to distinguish the beat; the breathing is 
urgent, rapid and difficult of performance; the pulse beats are also 
irregular and sometimes intermittent, by which we mean that a 
certain number of beats follow on one another with equal rapidity 
and interval; then a pause takes place, as though the heart had 
ceased acting, when the beats are renewed again for several times, 
followed by another pause, and so on. The horse will break out 
into a cold sweat; stands with forelegs wide apart tottering and 
shaking as though he would fall; in the worst cases syncope (or 
a fainting fit) comes on, when those who do not know better, fail 
to recognize the real cause and attribute it to a form of brain dis- 
ease known as ''staggers.'' 

Trkatmknt. — Aconite 3X. — No remedy in the Pharmacopoeia 
exercises so marked an influence on the circulation as Aco?iite, and 
in such cases as those where the heart is tired out by excess of 
work or effort to work, as in palpitation, this remedy is generally 
capable of producing a restoration to calm and rest; moreover, it 
is specially indicated if the existing cause is in any measure 
associated with rheumatism. 

Moschus IX. — In extreme case of palpitation, where the nervous 
excitement is very considerable and the body becomes cold, this 
will be found an exceptionally useful remedy. 

Acid hydro cyanicuin 3X may be administered with great advan- 
tage in cases that do not assume symptoms of an extra acute char- 
acter; where palpitation is attended with a weak and rather slow 
pulse, and a tendency to fainting marked by difficult breathing, 
with an obstinate refusal to take food, this will be found useful. 

Cactus grandiflorus ix. — This reraed}^ may be styled the analogue 
of Aconite, and by some authors it is credited with taking the palm 
over that remedy in diseases of the heart; indeed, there is hardly 
any morbid condition affecting the organ that it does not take an 
active part in ameliorating, from nervous palpitation to obstruct- 
ural change arising from acute inflammation; there is one leading 



138 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

symptom that suggests its selection for the human subject, namely, 
a feeling ^' as if the heart were grasped and compressed with an iron 
hand;'' as a horse cannot explain by word of mouth that such a 
symptom is experienced it is hardly possible to avail of it; at the 
same time, if there is reason to suspect heart disease and the ani- 
mal suddenly assumes a rigid posture, and, as it were, holds itself 
in one position for a few seconds, or even minutes, it would be a 
fair assumption that some such feeling as that indicated was ex- 
perienced, and by inference one would be certainly justified in 
administering Cactus grand, in the hope of furnishing relief. 

Among the diseases which affect the vital org2in2irQ: pericarditis y 
or inflammation of the fine serous membrane which invests or 
clothes the heart, and dropsy of this membrane, but as both are 
exceedingly rare, we shall pass on to hypertrophy, or dilatation of 
the heart, which is doubtless of more frequent occurrence in the 
horse. 

ENIvARGEMENT OR DII^ATATION OF THE HEART. 

By this designation we mean that the walls of the heart are 
increased in thickness and the cavities of the organ are proportion- 
ally larger; at the same time while we intend dealing with this 
particular form of alteration in structure, we must explain in 
passing that it is possible for the walls of the heart to be thick- 
ened without any corresponding increase in the size of the cavi- 
ties; and at the same time for the cavities of the heart to be con- 
siderably increased in calibre without any alteration of bulk in the 
muscular walls; hypertrophy with dilatation is more frequently 
observed in horses and therefore we select this form of structural 
change for treatment. 

It is also necessary to observe in passing that all the compart- 
ments of the heart are not equally susceptible of this structural 
alteration, indeed it is only fair to state that the left ventricle is 
more often affected than either of the other three divisions of the 
organ; a fact that is due possibly to the strain put upon this com- 
partment in driving on the main volume of blood over the general 
system; and so long as the thickening of the walls of the heart 
keep pace with the dilatation or enlargement of the cavities, the 
impairment of function will not be so observable; it is when the 
size of the cavities is out of proportion with the thickness of the 



ENI.ARGKMBNT OR DII^ATATION OF THE HEART. I 39 

muscular walls that the disease fully declares itself; presumably 
because the heart has a capacity for taking in more blood at one 
time than the walls have the power to drive on through the arter- 
ial system; consequently the impulse of the heart becomes weaker 
and the weight of the vital fluid is too much for it to overcome; 
hence the circulation becomes slow and torpid, and the blood 
regurgitates, a phenomenon that is readily discernable by that 
peculiar backward movement in the jugular veins that may fre- 
quently be seen along the groove in the horse's neck formed 
mainly by the windpipe; when this pulsation in the veins is 
observed, attention should at once be directed to the heart, be- 
cause it is essentially an abnormal condition, the pulse never 
occurring among veins in health. 

Among the causes to which dilatation of the heart are attribut- 
able, are frequent overexertion, such as occurs among horses sub- 
jected to severe training for long-distance races, and hunters or 
steeple-chasers; it must not be understood from this that we 
consider horses incapable of being prepared for this sort of work, 
but the consequences are attributable to the fact that the prepara- 
tion goes on and is persisted in when the animals are not fit to 
undergo work demanding so serious a strain upon the vital organ; 
were this fact recognized at the proper time and suitable measures 
adopted to remedy the temporary weakness, the animal's consti- 
tution would recover its natural vigor, and the requisite course of 
training and preparation could be conducted without any subse- 
quent ill-effects, nay more, the very work itself would tend to 
render the horse more hardy and capable of taking his own part 
in the field or between the flags in a satisfactory manner. 

A further cause of dilatation arises from some obstruction to 
the free and natural circulation of the blood which may be due to 
defect in the valves of the heart or the large arteries, also to dis- 
eases of the lungs and kidneys which give rise to some impediment 
in the circulation by reason of an alteration in the tissues of these 
organs. When the dilatation of the heart increases while the 
walls become thinner, the power to drive on the blood is reduced 
and consequently the pulse is weak, slower than normal and the 
beat is prolonged; the beats become irregular and intermittent 
(the meaning of the latter word has already been explained) ; the 
breathing becomes difficult; the legs do not maintain their natural 



140 VETERIXARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

warmth, and at times are absolutely cold; the legs also swell and 
S3-mptoms of dropsy present themselves along the abdomen and 
under the chest; the pulsation of the jugular veins is generally 
observable, and the animal is weak and altogether wanting in 
spirit and energy. 

Arsenicum album 3X should be given three times a da}' in doses 
of ten grains; and especially when the dropsical condition is ex- 
hibited; it serves to give tone to the muscular walls and relieves 
the urgent breathing. 

Cactus grandiflorus ix. — When hypertrophy (or thickening of 
the walls of the heart) is present in more marked degree, the pulse 
differs in character from that when dilatation predominates; the 
impulse of the beat is increased and is much stronger; the sounds, 
especially the second one produced by the blood passing into the 
aorta, are intensified and instead of the short, sharp " dub'' are 
more of a ringing, metallic character; under these circumstances 
Cactus grand, is the more suitable remed}'. 

Digitalis 3X. — The circumstances under which this remedy has 
been found effective are when the pulse is weak, irrregular, inter- 
mittent and the quantity of urine passed is much less than is usual 
in ordinary health; the oedema or swelling sometimes observable 
on the under surface of the chest and abdomen may also be in- 
cluded as one of the indications for this drug. 

VARIOUS CARDIAC INFLAM^^IATIONS. 



CARDITIS, ENDOCARDITIS, VALVULITIS. 

In endeavoring to deal with the effect of inflammation upon the 
various parts of the vital organ we must first remind our readers 
that the heart consists of muscular walls, which are lined both ex- 
ternally and internall}^ with a special form of membrane, and that 
the internal membrane extends over the valves; to properly appre- 
ciate this fact we advise one and all who desire to master the details 
(which though dif&cult to explain we are compelled to refer to in 
language that is doubtless rather vague to those who have never 
studied anatomy), to obtain from the slaughterer's a horse's' heart; 
first examine it carefulh^ as a whole, then cut it open from top to 
bottom; in this way it will be rendered clear what is meant by the 



VARIOUS CARDIAC INFLAMMATIONS. I4I 

various divisions or compartments, valves, outlets and inlets, and 
the ocular demonstration will no doubt render it easier to distin- 
guish between the different parts already frequently referred to 
and to be alluded to hereafter. By carditis is meant inflammation 
of the substance of the muscular walls; it is derived from the 
Latin word cardis, which means heart; endocarditis is a term 
which implies inflammation of the endocardium (or internal lining 
membrane) of the organ; it consists of a very fine, glazed, fibrous 
membrane, which with care may be peeled off the muscular walls. 
Valvulitis indicates that the inflammation has attacked the fine 
membrane which extends over and covers the valves. B}^ some 
authorities on equine medicine, notably the late Professor Robert- 
son, it is considered that the horse is rarely the subject of these 
inflammations as independent diseases; whether this is absolutely 
the case we are'not prepared to say, but that they do occur, and 
that not infrequently, we are satisfied; and whether arising inde- 
pendently or in association with some other morbid condition, they 
are sufficiently pronounced to demand our careful attention; more- 
over, if the totality of the symptoms serves as a guide in the selec- 
tion of a drug, both those of the heart and the associated disease, 
if there be any, will yield to the action of such drug; hence there 
is no necessit}^ to be so careful in distinguishing between inde- 
pendent and associated disease. Horses are frequently the sub- 
jects of rheumatism, and as there would appear to be some inti- 
mate relation between that disease and the internal membrane 
lining, the heart and valves, there need be no great wonder if 
horses are affected in the heart. We have alread}^ pointed out 
that thickening and dilatation of the walls of the heart is unques- 
tionably due to overexertion or to long-continued exertion thdt 
makes excCvSsive demands upon the organ which has to pump the 
blood over the whole body; bearing in mind, therefore, these two 
facts, namel}' , the susceptibilit}^ to rheumatism and the possible 
consequences upon the heart, and the liability to organic altera- 
tion in the structure of that organ in consequence of overstrain in 
the performance of its functions, the view that we hold regarding 
the probable combination of all these conditions in one subject 
does not seem unreasonable. There is an appendage to the valves 
of the heart which has not been referred to, which might strike 
anyone making a careful inspection of a heart as a careless oniis- 



142 VKTKRINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

sion on our part; we refer to the string-like chords which are at- 
tached at one end to the margins of the valves and to the other at 
the walls of the heart; they are called chordae tendinse; these 
chords are found in the ventricles of the heart; those parts of the 
walls to which they are attached are irregular in surface and 
rounded, the object of which is supposed to be the drawing tight 
of the said chords during the period of the heart's contraction, 
and by means of these chords the segments (or parts) of the 
valves are kept in apposition, so that the orifice is left open or 
closed according to the functional requirements; these chords are 
clothed with a membrane similar in quality to that of the valves, 
and may in like manner be affected by inflammation and thus 
rendered incapable of performing their duties in a satisfactory 
manner. The defective action of the valves results sometimes in 
a backward flow of the blood, which produces that venous pulse 
sometimes observed in the jugular veins, which pass down the 
well-known grooves in a horse's neck; at other times to an accu- 
mulation of blood in the ventricles, and yet again in the lungs. 

The symptoms are not easy of recognition whereb}^ any one or 
more of these morbid conditions can be definitely fixed upon, 
except by experts who have made the sounds and sensations 
characteristic of the same their special study; therefore, we shall 
not pretend to enumerate them here; but satisfy ourselves by 
dealing with the more general indications for the selection of 
drugs under the head of 

Treatment. — Aconite 3X in this, as in a large proportion of 
inflammatory diseases, comes first and foremost; and without 
attempting to argue from a physiological standpoint as to the why 
and wherefore of the action of Aconite upon the circulatory S5^s- 
tem, we satisfy ourselves with the broad and possibly very unscien- 
tific advice that horsemen who know nothing from a professional 
standpoint of drug action, can certainly never do wrong by admin- 
istering a few drops of Aconite, whatever may be the peculiar 
morbid condition where the heart is affected, watch the result, 
and if not satisfactory, resort can then be had to other remedies 
according to the symptoms indicated; but we shall not err on the 
side of caution if we suggest some of the more leading symptoms 
indicating the selection of Aconite, or its active principle Aconitine; 
the association of acute rheumation (the symptoms for which 



VARIOUS CARDIAC INFI^AMMATIONS. 1 43 

must be looked for in the chapter on that disease), always con- 
nects Aconite with diseases of the heart; when the impulse of the 
heart is increased and the pulse at the jaw is full, bounding and 
rapid the same conclusion is arrived at; exhaustion and distress 
accompanied by palpitation point to Aconite; it wall be thus seen 
that the conditions vary, but the drug is a far-reaching one and at 
the same time an exceedingly reliable friend in circimistances of 
extreme urgency. 

ActcBa racemosa ix. — In breeding establishments or in stables 
where mares are kept, this is a valuable remedy because of the 
intimate relation which seem to exist between it and the female 
system; it is well-known that a remarkable sympathy exists at 
times between the uterus (womb) and the heart; take a mare 
that is with foal or has recently had a foal, or one in work whose 
sexual desires have been excited, and she becomes the subject of 
an attack of rheumatism; it is no uncommon thing for these two 
organs, the uterus and the heart to be the two chief seats upon 
which the poison of rheumatism expends its force; its influence 
upon the heart may be recognized by the outward manifestations 
already so many times referred to; should the uterus be also im- 
plicated the mare will give evidence of pain by turning her head 
to the side, prostrating herself for a stretch with the hind legs, 
uneasiness, unwillingness to lie down, the urine will be high- 
colored and diminished in quantity, together with the ordinary 
febrile symptoms indicated under rheumatism, when this remedy 
may be relied upon to afford relief. 

Arsenicum album 3X. — While Aconite appears to act upon the 
blood and through it, upon the circulation generally, Arsoiic 
would seem to act directly upon the principal organ of the system, 
having the power to inflame not only the muscular tissue but also 
the endocardium (or internal lining membrane) and therefore also 
the valves; special symptoms indicating its selection ma}^ include 
extreme systemic prostration; a tendency to faint after exertion; 
feebleness of the heart's action; pulse almost imperceptible; pal- 
pitation, difficulty of breathing; dropsy as indicated by swelhng 
along under part of chest and abdomen, with the legs. 

Cactus grandiflorus ix. — By some authorities the palm is given 
to this drug over Aconite in heart diseases; certainly from the ex- 
perience of those well qualified to offer an opinion, it deserves to 



144 VETERINARY HOMOEOPATHY. 

rank very high in cardiac disorders; and from some slight experi- 
ence of its use, we can confirm the high estimate formed of the 
drug by those who have submitted it to more crucial tests than we 
have had the opportunity of doing; so far in our cases the febrile 
symptoms were very pronounced, shivering and sweating alter- 
nating with one another; the animals hang their heads down as 
though heavy and aching; considerable palpitation and short, op- 
pressive breathing were very marked; there was some diarrhoea, 
and a good deal of thick-looking urine passed; Aconite had been 
previously given in each case, but was not followed with the 
usually-expected result, while to Cactus grnnd. all the symptoms 
yielded readily and the normal action of the heart was restored. 
In Dr. Hughes' Pharmacodynamics the drug is credited with the 
exercise of beneficial influence upon diseases ranging from nervous 
palpitation to inflammation of the organ, hypertrophy and valvu- 
lar disease; and we have no doubt that Dr. Hughes only claims 
for Cactus grand, what it is quite capable of realizing under specific 
conditions; these facts, coming from such an authority, and in 
some small degree confirmed in our own experience, only serve to 
intensify the faith we entertain that given the discover}^ 
of the totality of the symptoms there is absolutely no 
morbid condition affecting the animal system (human or 
otherwise) that would not yield to a homoeopathically-selected 
drug; the fact that there are so man3^ failures to effect cures, 
in what some consider incurable cases, owes its existence 
both in medical and veterinary practice to the non-recog- 
nition of the totality of s^^mptoms, or to belief that the changes of 
structure that take place in some organs by reason of the invasion 
of inflammation, are not capable of restoration to either their nor- 
mal condition or their original utility; our faith only demands the 
discovery and recognition of the totality of the symptoms to enable 
drugs to effect anything in the shape of restoration to health and 
usefulness. 

Digitalis ix. — Irregular and intermittent pulse as observed at 
the artery that winds round the under jaw; regurgitation in the 
jugular veins; dropsy, as evinced by swelling of the legs, may be 
accepted as the leading indications for this drug. 

Spigelia ix. — A most helpful remedy in cardiac affections asso- 
ciated with rheumatism; moreover, it includes within the sphere 



VARIOUS CARDIAC INFLAMMATIONS. 1 45 

of its action, the pericardium (or the membrane that clothes the 
heart externally) and the eyes; when the symptoms which draw 
attention to the heart are also accompanied by a weakness of the 
eyes, as evidenced by a desire to avoid light, and the whites of 
the eyes are shot with red lines, a suggestion is before one to re- 
sort to Spigelia; and should the patient be weak, thin and lifeless, 
another reason will be added for its selection; a capricious appe- 
tite, constipated bowels, rough coat, and general dullness are in- 
cluded in the symptomatology. 

Spongia 6x. — This is an essentially useful drug when the valves 
of the heart are affected; the associated s3^mptoms are a rough, 
husky cough, painful palpitation, extreme difficulty in breathing, 
with intermittent periods of apparent suffocation, during which 
the horse will stand with forelegs wdde apart, tottering at the 
knees, as though he would fall; after a while this passes off to be 
repeated again in a less intense form. 



lO 



ATROPHY OR WASTING. 



FATTY DEGENERATION OF HEART. 

The wasting of the muscular walls of the heart, it goes without 
saying, ultimately results in a loss of substance, and a general 
thinning, which of course, renders them quite incapable of per- 
forming their functions ; it does not follow that the whole of the 
organ shall become affected at the same time, and if one part is 
more frequently implicated than another it is the auricles or upper 
divisions of the heart. Weakness and feeble pulse are the most 
characteristic symptoms, but it cannot be affirmed that these in 
any way help the layman to discern the cause. 

Fatty degeneration of the muscular tissues involves an entire 
change in the structure of the organ; the fibres which constitute 
healthy muscle are softened and rendered incapable of strong 
contractile power, by reason of the deposition of fat between the 
layers of muscle; and in some extreme cases the muscular fibres 
themselves appear to assume the appearance and qualities of fat. 

For both these conditions Allopathy knows no remedy ; and 
inasmuch as diagnostic symptoms are conspicuous by their ab- 
sence there is not much chance for Homoeopathy; but if other 
indications point to the remedy it is believed that Phosphorus -^\-q 
administered twice daily may ultimately arrest the destructive 
process, if it does not absolutely aid in restoring the tissues to 
their healthy normal condition. Much of course will depend 
upon the stage at which the disease process has arrived. 

ARTERIES. 

The disease conditions affecting arteries are of two kinds, the 
one known as Embolism, which is due to the formation of a clot 
that plugs up the artery and interferes with the proper circulation 
of the blood; the other as Aneurism, by which is understood that 
the walls of the artery have become diseased and expand over a 
small surface so as to form a tumor; this may arise of itself from 

146 



PHLEBITIS. 147 

some unexplained cause or originate from an injury, the coats of 
the artery become thickened and sometimes calcified (or hardened 
by a deposit of mineral substance. ) . 

It is not an uncommon disease in the horse, as post-mortem 
examinations aid one to testify, and when present it is generally 
observed in the aorta, or large artery, at the point where a branch 
is given off called the mesenteric artery. 

The symptoms are not positively indicative, but when a horse 
becomes thin, emaciated and unequal to work; breathes hurriedly; 
pulse is irregular, and great stiffness when called upon to turn 
round is exhibited together with tenderness to pressure over the 
loins, and the hind legs swell constantly, there is good reason to 
suspect this condition. 

As a rule it does not declare itself sufficiently for recognition 
until well established, hence the greater difficulty in effecting a 
cure; but it is not without hope of alleviating the condition if 
Lycopodium 3X be administered three times a day, and the horse 
be allowed meanwhile to rest in a roomy, loose box. 

PHLEBITIS ; INFLAMMATION OF VEINS 

is not a condition often met with in the horse ; it rarely arises 
without some external cause, mechanical injury, such as bleeding; 
as however this operation is of comparatively rare occurrence now- 
a-days it is more than ever rare; should it however be met with 
there is one condition that requires some care to obviate, namely, 
ulceration, which of course involves the formation of pus (matter); 
this becomes serious when the pus is carried into the general cir- 
culation away from the seat of origin, which is most likely to be 
the case, as its distribution will probably give rise to the formation 
of abscesses in various parts of the body, and the ultimate sequel 
would be blood poisoning. An inflamed condition of the veins is 
recognized by dilatation of the vessels, and the locality where 
they most readily expose themselves to observation is the inside 
of the hind legs; swollen veins are distinguished from arteries, in 
a like condition, by their being more superficially placed, and the 
knotted enlargement or pouches which are presented at varying 
distances along the course of the swollen vessel; the knots are due 
to the arrest of the blood at the points where the valves are 
situated. 



148 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

Treatment. — Hamamelis 6. This is the one and onh' remedy 
we shall suggest for use under such conditions ; if the affected 
localit}- admits of topical treatment, compresses of this drug made 
b}^ mixing one part thereof with four of water should be applied 
in addition to administering five-drop doses internally three times 
a da}^ 

HICCOUGH— SPASM OF DIAPHRAGM. 

In the first place it is necessary to explain that the diaphragm, 
which consists partly of muscle and parth* of fibrous tissue, serves 
to divide the thorax from the abdomen ; it is attached at its upper 
part to a ligament belonging to the vertebrae or spinal column, 
and each side of the margins of the ribs; at all events this roughly 
explains its situation and its object; under certain conditions this 
fibro-muscular membrane becomes cramped; horses that have been 
required to do fast work, in a long journe}^ on an empty stomach 
are generallj^ the subject of the spasm; it has been frequently 
mistaken for palpitation of the heart, but it may alwa^'S be distin- 
guished from this by the fact that in spasm of the diaphragm the 
horse always suffers from hiccough, a condition which calls for no 
explanation; it is a marked and constant symptom. 

Treatment. — The late Mr. James Moore, one of the pioneers 
of Veterinar}' Homoeopath}' in London, used to advise the admin- 
istration of Stan7iuni 6xfor hiccough, and when one bears in mind 
the powerful influence this drug exercises over the nervous S3'S- 
tem, the explanation of this gentleman's success with this agent 
is not far to seek. 

Niix vioschata 3X is what we have been accustomed to rely upon 
for spasm of the diaphragm, but the cases that have come under 
our care have all had a marked bloated condition of the abdomen, 
as is observed in flatulent colic, a symptom that speciall}' indicates 
this remedy, b}' reason of which the action of the heart and the 
breathing is rendered ver}' oppressive. 

AccE::soRY MEASURES. — To avoid a possible recurrence of this 
malad\^, it is most desirable to give the horse a few days' rest; 
keep up the condition wHth good, but easily digestible food, avoid- 
ing bulky material, and bring the animal to its work again by de- 
grees. 



DISEASES OF DIGESTIVE 
SYSTEM. 



The digestive tract, which starts at the mouth and ends at the 
anus, may fairly be described as one long continuous tube which 
varies in size in different parts; commencing at the mouth it passes 
to the pharynx, w^hich is also shared with the respiratory tract, 
as the back of the nose also empties itself into that organ ; from 
the pharynx the tube is continued as the oesophagus, which passes 
down the neck side by side with the trachsea (or windpipe); the 
oesophagus is commonly known as the gullet; this joins the stom- 
ach, which is nothing more than a large dilatation of the digestive 
tube; passing out of the stomach the tube becomes very small, and 
there commence the smallest intestines; the intestines vary in size 
until some short distance before arriving at the anus (or external 
opening behind) ; a short distance from the commencement of the 
small intestines, not far from the stomach, there is a tube con- 
nected with and coming from the liver, which empties the con- 
tents of that organ (the bile) into the intestines; the bile assists 
in the digestion of the food; this small tube (or duct) which comes 
from the liver has also another tube which conveys the secretion 
of a gland called the pancreas and joins the duct of the liver before 
it enters the intestine; this gland secretes a fluid called the pacre- 
atic juice, which also assists in the process of digestion. The 
process of digestion commences in the mouth, where b}^ means of 
mastication the food is rendered fit to be acted upon by the saliva, 
the gastric juice which is formed in the stomach, the pancreatic 
juice and the bile, and finally the various secretions from the 
glands situate in the walls of the intestines; in plain lan- 
guage, the process of digestion is one of dissolving all the way 
along the tube, or of rendering solid food soluble, so that it may 
be taken up and transferred to its destination by means of the 
blood and other channels through which it passes while being dis- 
tributed over the body for assimilation. 

149 



150 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

This, of course, is but an extremeh' rough and ready explana- 
tion of what goes on in the sj'stem, and is offered with apologies for 
meagreness of description, at the same time, were we to attempt 
to offer an3'thing like so elaborate an exposition of the subject as 
its importance demands, we should proceed be3'ond the ken of those 
for whom this book is written, and moreover far exceed the pre- 
scribed limits; our object is merely to convex' a rough idea of the 
digestive organs and of what they consist, so that readers maj- the 
more readily follow us as we proceed to deal with various disorders 
to which animals are subject in this portion of the organism. The 
diseases of the digestive tract are certainly more under control 
and capable of prevention on the part of stablemen and owners 
than are those of am^ other portion of the animal bod\'; the char- 
acter and quality of the food; the methods and time of giving it» 
are points which deserve far more careful consideration than they 
generally receive; for instance, while the better-bred animals, such 
as race-horses, trotters, and high-class harness horses are well pro- 
vided for as to quality, it does not follow that necessar}' caution is 
exhibited by the attendants as to the methods and time of feeding 
and watering, having in view the nature of the work the horse 
has been doing, or the time occupied in its performance; on the 
other hand, take the coarser- bred animals, such as are worked 
on farms, or for hauling purposes in large towns; here the character 
and qualit}' of the food is frequently very indifferent; they are ex- 
pected to consume and dispose of all or any of the coarsest material, 
especialh^ agricultural horses; at one time they may have to go for 
six hours at a stretch without any food, while at others the man 
will have a nosebag on almost continualh', according to the par- 
ticular work that is being done and the facilities it offers for this 
sort of thing; what wonder, then, if under conditions of such 
irregularity colic supervenes; ignorantly mistaken kindness at one 
time and careless indifference at another. All descriptions of 
horses, except the more carefully tended race-horse and trotter, 
are liable to be kept out many hours at the stretch, and to make 
up for this are, when brought home, immediately supplied with a 
blow-out of water, and food enough is placed before them to 
account for two or three ordinary meals; not only does the animal 
return home tired and leg wear}', but his whole system is in sym- 
pathy with the exhausted muscles, and the vital energy is tempo- 



DISEASES OF DIGESTIVE SYSTEM. 151 

rarily lowered; under such conditions a short period of repose is 
as essential for the digestive organs as for the legs and body before 
calling upon them for active work such as the process of digestion 
involves; under such circumstances the horse should be allowed 
two or three mouthfuls only of water, with about a double handful 
of hay to play with while being cleaned and dressed, and at the 
expiration of one hour an ordinary supply of water to be followed 
shortly by the usual feed of corn; in this way nature is gradually 
restored to her normal state and digestion will proceed in the 
ordinary course without fear of the dire consequences that fre- 
quently supervene upon the well-intentioned but ver^^-injudicious 
methods referred to above. 

It must therefore be understood by owners that it is a false econ- 
omy to allow their horses, w^hatever the class or breed, an}" thing 
but good, sound, wholesome food, and further that if the very fre- 
quent cases of disorders affecting the intestines are to be obviated, 
it must be by the exercise of common sense and ordinary intelli- 
gence, in the manner of supplying the food, making due allowance 
when animals have been called to fast long and continuousl}', not to 
overload the stomach unduly thereafter, nor to lower the internal 
temperature suddenly by allowing a hot, fagged and thirst}^ animal 
to drink his fill immediately on arriving home; nor in the cases 
of heavy draught horses to sanction their being allowed to drink 
absolutely cold water while at work, and on a long journey; at 
such times a very necessary refresher should consist of a moderate 
quantity of warm thin oatmeal gruel; in offering these suggestions 
we fully sympathize with the difficulties against which owners 
have to contend through the carelessness and indifference of 
stupid servants. The subject of dietary is an all important one 
and calls for more careful discrimination than it generally receives: 
if one were to judge by the ordinary actions of horse owners and 
stablemen, it would be quite reasonable to come to the conclusion 
that the majority of these men look upon the digestive apparatus 
of this animal as a sort of metallic machine into which must be 
crammed to the full, whatever comes to hand in the shape of food, 
good, bad and indifferent, nevermind which, so long as the greatest 
quantity can be stowed away in the smallest space of time; this 
at all events used to be the prevailing idea; but thanks to the 
veterinary profession methods inore in harmony with an intelli- 



152 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

gent appreciation of the laws of physiolog}^ are now adopted; still 
there is ample scope for improvement and were we writing a work 
upon hj^giene, the subject would furnish abundant opportunity 
for the exercise of our best abilities; our present duty, however, 
is to point out how indiscretion may be rectified, and the subjects 
of indiscretion relieved of the sufferings they are compelled to 
uncomplaining!}^ bear. 

THE TEETH. 

There are various conditions affecting the teeth to which we 
might refer, but w^e shall confine ourselves to one or two which can 
readily be observed after careful examination by the novice, and 
that are easily capable of relief. It is largely necessary to point 
out how important it is that the teeth should be maintained in a 
condition that fits them for thorough mastication; this is their 
physiological function; it is the process or mechanical operation 
by which the alimentary material is prepared for the chemical ac- 
tion of the juices of the stomach and intestines, to act upon and 
render soluble; and this especially applies to animals, such as the 
horse, which feed on grain and vegetable products, which require 
minute subdivision before they are rendered susceptible to the ac- 
tion of the digestive juices. For the proper and satisfactory per- 
formance of the act of mastication it is essential that the surfaces 
of the crowns of the large molar teeth should be level so that 
those of the upper and lower jaws should meet or approximate to- 
gether as nearly as possible. For various reasons due either to 
the character of the food or the quality of the different substances 
of which the teeth are composed, it frequently happens in horses 
over seven years of age that some of the teeth wear more than 
others and that consequently there are spaces left between some of 
them in which those of the upper and lower jaw do not meet 
properly and hence the mastication is imperfect or plugs of food 
are imbedded between the teeth; to obviate this condition, the 
rasp must be brought into action, or if one or two teeth have 
proved themselves equal to an extraordinary resistance of wear 
and are standing out prominently above the majority, they must 
be sacrificed by cutting off their crowns to the level of the rest. 
Between the ages of three and four years young horses require 
special attention, as this period of dentition is frequently a trying 



THE TEETH. 153 

one, and where difficulty is experienced in cutting through the 
permanent set, and dislodging the temporary ones at the periods 
when the change ought to take place, much benefit will derive 
from the administration of Calcarea phosphorica 3X ten grains 
night and morning, so long as the difficulty lasts; not only will 
this treatment help to bring about a normal developement of the 
masticatory organs, but the general health of the animal which 
will probably have suffered as a consequence, will rapidly improve 
— an appreciation of this difficulty and the method of obviating 
the same should be understood, especially by owners of race horses 
who are probably greater sufferers from this condition than any 
other class of horse, which fact may be accounted for by the artifi- 
cial forcing to which these animals are subjected from their earliest 
infancy. ' ' Cartes' ' (or decay) of teeth is a disorder that may affect 
any class of horse and though it may not be of frequent occur- 
ence, when present it must be as painful and quite as inconven- 
ient to the horse as the human subject; horses are generally so 
patient and forebearing that they may for days be the subject of 
this pain without an attendant noticing anything amiss; ultimately, 
however, the animal goes off his food, or makes an attempt to 
masticate it, and drops portions of it only partially comminuted into 
the manger, this is called ' ' guidding;" in the worst cases the horse 
will rest his head on the manger, against the side of the stall or 
rack; this is the time for a careful examination of the mouth and 
each individual tooth; a decayed tooth will generally exhibit some 
discoloration, even if no portion is broken away; to test these a 
few gentle taps with some instrument will enable the examiner to 
detect if there is pain and soreness, if so it is reasonable to assume 
that the faulty tooth is discovered and the treatment should con- 
sist oi Mercurius corrosivus 6x, ten gr. every four hours, while the 
food should be given in small quantities and be rendered soft by 
steaming; bran and crushed oats in abundance without chaff or 
hay of any sort; if the pain appears to continue after one day's 
trial of Mercuriiis cor. it may possibly suggest the presence of an 
abscess at the root of the tooth in which case Silicca 12, should be 
given; and even supposing there is no abscess, which almost in- 
variably yields to a course of Silicca this remedy frequently 
proves successful in cases of caries where Mercuriiis cor. fails. 
The remaining condition affecting teeth to which we shall refer 



154 VETERINARY HOMOEOPATHY. 

is that of the presence of a space between any of the molars in 
which partly macerated portions of food get imbedded, and ulti- 
mately decompose, producing not only as bad a smell as a decayed 
tooth, but as the result of decomposition damage to the outer 
layer of enamel of each of the teeth against which it remains 
plugged; the pressure of this foreign substance, which, as masti- 
cation proceeds, is being continually added to, produces consider- 
able pain and inconvenience; to obviate this difficulty, a piece of 
good quality gutta percha should be obtained, and after rendering 
the same perfectly soft and pliable by heat, the space should be 
packed with it so as to fill up the cavity level with the crowns of 
the teeth or nearly so; if a veterinary surgeon is not available, it 
would be better to call in the aid of a professional dentist to per- 
form the operation; and here we must point out in passing that 
the only safe method of examining a horse's te^th that can be 
adopted is by the aid of a so-called " balling iron," which can be 
obtained and its mode of application explained at any veterinary 
instrument maker's. The extraction of a permanent molar is, 
under the most favorable circumstances and at the hands of an ex- 
perienced surgeon, a most serious and formidable operation, and 
one that should never be attempted save under exceptional and 
pressing requirements, and then only by a qualified practitioner; 
of course, by the majority of allopathic veterinarians, the idea of 
relieving pain produced by a carious tooth, or of dispersing an 
abscess situate at the end of a fang by means of internal medica- 
tion would be ridiculed as preposterous; nevertheless our experi- 
ence among horses and dogs warrants us in affirming very posi- 
tively that such results are attainable, and considering the hard 
character of the tissues of which teeth are composed, in numerical 
proportions far exceeding what the most sanguine advocates of 
Homoepath}^ could reasonably anticipate; furthermore, our experi- 
ence on our own person, and on the persons of countless stablee 
men that have received most acceptable relief when suffering the 
agonies of toothache, confirms all that has been claimed for the 
treatment of animals under like conditions. 

LAMPAS. 

This common and well-known condition affecting the mucous 
membrane lining the mouth generally, is often made an excuse 



LAMPAS. 155 

among stablemen, and especialh* horse dealers, for adopting the 
barbarous and cruel practice of burning the roof of the mouth with 
a searing iron or gashing and pricking the same with a horse nail. 
When we come to consider the real cause of the swelUng, nameh% 
congestion or an excess of blood to the parts, produced by dental 
irritation while the animal is cutting its teeth, or by stomach dis- 
order, it will readily be seen that such brutal methods, the prac- 
tice of which should be relegated to the dark ages, can do no 
earthly good; to produce pain to effect a good object is not only 
allowable but commendable; to w^antonly cause pain without any 
reasonable prospect of advantage to a patient, is to deserve the 
practice of similar methods on the principle of "an e3'e for an eye 
and a tooth for a tooth,'' etc. 

In most cases the swollen condition of the membrane is due to 
the two causes ahead}" enumerated and is displayed over the roof 
of the mouth and the gums in the space between the incisor and 
molar teeth; at the same time it ma}" be caused by violence, such 
as a sharp bit that has been applied with undue force; these cases 
rarely show much swelling of the roof of the mouth, and cannot 
therefore be strictly defined as lampas, but the membrane of the 
lips and cheeks is much tumefied. 

Treatment. — Belladojina 3X for true cases of lampas in which 
the swelling is due to dental troubles and therefore generally 
occurring in young horses; a dose every four hours. 

Nux vomica 3X in cases of lampas arising out of sympathy with 
some gastric (stomach) or intestinal trouble, such as simple indi- 
gestion; repeat dose three times a day. 

Arnica viont. 3X when the swelling of the buccal membrane 
owes its origin to mechanical injury. 

Accessory measures. — In all cases the animal must be put on 
soft diet; bran mashes and steamed oats that have been previously 
crushed; no hay, no chaff, nor indeed anything that demand* 
active mastication; good strong linseed tea, made by slowly sim- 
mering one pound weight of linseed in a couple of gallons of 
water until the lot is reduced to one gallon by measure, will mate- 
rially assist in keeping up the strength until tlie congested and 
sore state is ameliorated. Under no conditions, however, should 
food remain before a horse after it has partaken of as much as the 
appetite requires; any remnants should be removed and the man- 



156 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATKY. 

ger washed out, as moistened food rapidl}^ turns sour, taints the 
manger, and the animal continues to refuse its food, in consequence 
of the objectionable taste and smell imparted to it b\' the decom- 
position of previous unfinished meals. The chief symptoms that 
direct attention to this state of the buccal membrane are, frothing 
and slavering, refusal to take dr}' food, and extreme tenderness of 
the mouth on attempting to examine, as evinced by a determined 
opposition to being handled. At these times the balling iron 
must never be used, as the interdental spaces between incisors and 
molars are swollen and highly sensitive to touch; gentle handling 
and coaxing will generally suffice far better than rougher proceed- 
ings when it is necessary to examine the mouth that is in this 
condition. 

GLOSSITIS— INFLAMMATION OF TONGUE. 

Under this heading it will be necessary to include several condi- 
tions affecting the organ; in the first place we have idiopathic 
glossitis, which is an inflamed state of the structures of the organ 
that arises as the result of bad health and for which no external 
cause is responsible; this is not a common complaint with the 
horse; there is, however, an inflamed state of the horse's tongue 
that is b}' no means uncommon, we regret to say, because it owes 
its origin to injury effected either by carelessness or actual brutality 
on the part of an attendant; the organ may be abraded, torn or 
cut b\^ being carelessly included in the halter when this is used in- 
stead of a proper bit, to lead a horse; again, the tongue may be 
accidentally bitten by the animal itself; or it may be wilfully and 
maliciously injured b}^ caustic agents, such as Am?no7iia and Tui'- 
p 671 tine. 

It is of course necessary to determine what is the cause of the 
inflammation before attempting to treat it; this is not so difficult 
as at first sight it may seem: in primary glossitis, or that from 
which develops of itself and is the evidence of bad health, the 
organ is swollen, painful, but when protruded out of the mouth 
the exposed parts are dry and brown; the animal is unable to 
swallow^ and a good deal of sticky mucus adheres to the 
side of the cheek and about the teeth. When the tongue is 
inflamed by means of irritating caustic agents or by hot water, the 
organ is very much swollen and hangs out of the mouth; but the 



PAROTITIS. 157 

part that is exposed instead of looking brown and dry, has rather 
a whitish appearance and portions of the mucous membrane will 
peel off and hang in shreds; the membrane ma}^ be dry but more 
often it is covered with thinish mucus, and the animal continues 
slavering — an injured tongue of course declares itself. In the 
case of the natural primary form of glossitis, Mercurius cor. 3X is 
an excellent remedy administered in frequent doses, say once 
every three hours; the horse should be induced to gargle his 
mouth voluntarily, if pOvSsible, in a weak, warm lotion of 
Condy's Fluid, just sufficient being used to color the water a rich 
magenta shade; if the animal will not do this of his ow^n free will, 
then the mouth should be freely syringed out with this lotion tw^o 
or three times a day, to keep it clean of the adhesive mucus and 
to disinfect the organ. In cases that have been injured by some 
caustic agent a cooling lotion, consisting of one part of common 
vinegar with tw^o of water, serves to counteract the chemical action 
of an alkali and is also very acceptable to the patient; after some 
relief is obtained, the healing of the inj ured parts will be much 
facilitated by painting the organ by means of a camel's hair brush 
with a lotion consisting of Calendula i part, Glycerine 2 parts and 
water 3 parts. 

In the cases of glossitis which owe their origin to injuries 
much depends upon the nature and extent of same; should the 
organ be much torn it may be necessary to invoke the aid of a 
surgeon; if a veterinarian is not available it would be wise policy 
to seek to induce a medical man to do what he can by way of sut- 
uring and to advise the most desirable antiseptic dressing; the 
operation is too delicate a one for a layman to attempt; conserva- 
tive surgery is an absolute necessity in dealing with the tongue; 
for ordinary cases of injury the dressing should consist of a lotion 
of Arnicx i part, Glycerine 2 parts and water 6 parts, with 
which the tongue must be frequently dressed. 

The food must, of course, consist of soft mashes and scalded 
oats previously crushed; no hay or chaff; liquids would be better 
if nutritious, such as linseed tea, milk, etc. 

PAROTITIS— INFLAMMATION OF PAROTID GLANDS. 

These glands are located behind the inferior maxillary jaw bone 
extending from the bottom of the ears downwards; in some liorses, 



1 58 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

especially coarsely-bred animals, they are very distinctly obser^^ed, 
and in many respects the results of inflammation are very much 
like those of strangles, with this difference only, that the glands 
are situated in another locality; indeed, at times the parotid 
glands are sympathetically affected in cases of strangles; the paro- 
tid glands, on either side of the head, are rather large in size, and 
it often happens that the suppuration which follows their inflam- 
mation does not affect the whole gland, but only a part, and for 
this reason the process is frequently a slow one. At other times 
no suppuration takes place at all; the gland becomes vers' hard at 
the onset, and thereafter softens without the formation of an ab- 
scess and the discharge of matter. The s3'mptoms are that the 
horse is unable to move its head freely from side to side; there is 
a good deal of swelling and pain over the seat of the glands; and 
not infrequently the presstue upon the larynx in consequence of 
the swelling of the glands on either side of this organ produces an 
unnatural sound in breathing. \Vhen the inflammation proceeds 
to suppuration the localit^v of discharge shows itself by pointing 
or swelhng in various parts of the gland or glands; these, of 
course, require poulticing and fomenting with hot water in bring- 
ing them to a head; as a rule they burst spontaneously; if not, 
some surgical aid is called for. To induce the rapid maturition 
or perfection of the abscess there is nothing \ik.Q: Hepar sulphur ys., 
ten grains ever}' four hours, and after the abscess is discharged, to 
promote healing, Silicea 6x, three times a day, is the best practice. 
The parotid gland, to which we have been referring, has for its 
function the secretion of saliva to aid the process of digestion; for 
the convenient discharge of the saliva into the mouth, so that it 
can readih' mix with the food as mastication goes on, a small duct 
(or tube) connected with the lower portion of the gland, about 
the size of a small quill pen, passes along the side of each cheek 
and there empties itself. Occasionally these ducts are blocked up 
b}' small, round or oval calculi (or stones) which consist mainly 
of lime, and for the well-being of the horse it is necessarj- that, 
when present, the^' should be removed; this operation necessitates 
the ser\'ice of a skilled surgeon; the presence of these calculi will 
be discernible by the swelling they produce, and the hardness of 
the substance. 

An accident occasionalh' brings about the establishment of a 



PHARYNGITIS. 159 

pipe-like opening (fistula) from the parotid duct, through the 
little salivary canal having been pierced or wounded; when this 
is the case, the saliva continues to pour out externall}^ so long as 
mastication proceeds, and is consequently wasted. These cases 
are frequently somewhat difiicult to cure, but to effect a union of 
the adjacent parts, the edges of the wound may be lightly dressed 
with Nitrate of silver^ and thereafter an adhesive plaster placed 
right over the part; the horse must be kept for some da3'S on 
liquid nutriment to obviate the necessity of mastication, and so 
keep the gland in a state of quiescence; milk, beef tea and linseed 
gruel may be tried with probable success; the horse should be 
tied up short at the rack to prevent it from eating its bed and also 
from keeping the head in a dependent position; nor should the 
animal be allowed to lie down for several days until the plaster is 
removed. 

PHARYNGITIS— INFI.AMMATION OF PHARYNX- 
SORB THROAT. 

This condition is usually first declared by a cough, but so far 
as the distinguishing characteristics go, they are b}^ no means 
easy to define; some are hoarse, rough, and short, others soft, 
weak, and prolonged, according to the extent of the inflammation 
and how long it has existed; one of the most reliable indications 
is the amount of soreness displayed on handling the throat exter- 
nally, and also the extent of redness exhibited about the throat 
at the back of the tongue, and in the region of the tonsils; inflam- 
mation of the pharynx does often occur in conjunction with influ- 
enza, or any fever in which the air passages are involved, but at the 
present we are considering it as the primary disease in which sore 
throat is the most pronounced symptom; of this leading indica- 
tion we have minor or detailed symptoms such as difficulty of 
swallowing; the effort to swallow food brings on a cough; the 
same applies to liquids, which are sometimes returned through the 
nose; at others the difficulty of swallowing saliva is apparent by 
the fact of the horse every now and again drawing his nose in 
towards his chin, just as a man would under similar circumstances, 
while partaking of food or water produces no sensation of pain; 
it is really nothing more nor less than a sore throat, but tlie rem- 
edy for this is not always easy to hit off; the totality of the s>-mp- 



l6o VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

toms are comparatively few. One of the finest agents for curing 
this congested condition of the pharynx is Sulphurous acid inhaled 
for some moments, until the effect of the acid is felt upon the 
mucous membrane lining the pharynx; certainly it produces an 
active fit of coughing at the time, but the alleviation thereafter 
of the soreness and fullness is simply remarkable; the only way 
that can be suggested for its administration to the horse would be 
to close up the apertures in a loose box, set fire to a charcoal cal- 
dron over which a small quantity of powdered Sulphur must be 
sprinkled; as the fumes are given off the horse will begin to cough 
more or less violently, and after the animal has been compelled to 
breathe this sulphurous atmosphere for three or four minutes, the 
stable door should be opened and the heated caldron be removed; 
it is only necessary that the horse should inhale sufficient of the 
fumes to act upon the whole of the mucous membrane of the 
throat; it is a cheap and effective remedy for this sort of thing, 
but of course care must be exercised not to stifle the animal with 
an excess of the Sulphurous acid gas. 

Apart from this, other remedies are Aconite 3X, Belladonna 3X, 
Mercurius solubilis 5, and Lachesis 5. — Aconite in the early stages; 
Belladonna when the throat is very bright red, the eyes are glis- 
tening and pupils dilated; Mercurius sol. when there is a great 
deal of saliva dropping from the mouth, and Lachesis when the 
animal is dull after several daj^s' treatment, and the temperature 
goes up, which symptoms indicate complications calling for 
special remedial measures. 

Inflammation of the pharynx, if allowed to get a regular hold 
upon the structures of the throat not infrequently results in the 
formation of abscesses; these circumscribed collections of matter 
(pus) are found in the muscular walls of the pharynx and by 
reason of their size, just prior to discharge, cause considerable 
inconvenience in consequence of the obstruction offered to breath- 
ing; in some cases the external swelling, on one or both sides of 
the throat, is sufficient to draw attention to their presence, in 
which circumstances manipulation of the parts generally reveals 
marked tenderness; but should the external swelling not be 
observed, attention will be drawn to the horse by the difficulty 
experienced in breathing and swallowing, and by the continuous 
formation of saliva which drips from the mouth in tenacious 



CESOPHAGUS. l6l 

strings; this discovery should lead the careful stableman to 
examine the throat internally, and should the swelling appear 
likely to cause grave results, it may be necessary to open and dis- 
charge the abscess; on the other hand, this necessit}^ will not 
frequently arise, as the administration of the homoeopathic remedies 
which exercise a special influence on suppuration, usually mature 
and ripen abscesses, wherever located, with considerable rapidit}^ 
and these burst and discharge naturally without the necessity for 
operative intervention. 

Treatment, — Belladon7ia 3X in the earlier stages while the 
mucous membrane of the throat looks bright red and dr}^; soreness 
and difficulty of swallowing are very apparent; the eyes also are 
frequently streaked w^ith red lines over the white portion; the 
body temperature is exalted and the pulse more rapid than 
normal; under such conditions the remedy will frequently abort 
the inflammation and prevent the development of suppuration. 

Ilepar sulphur 3X when the swelling in the throat is thoroughly 
established and it is quite clear that the formation of pus has com- 
menced, this agent will aid in the rapid maturation and ripening 
of the abscess. 

Accessory Measures. — Much assistance may be afforded by 
making the horse inhale hot steam; a nose bag containing bran 
or finely cut chaff should be attached to the head; thereupon pour 
sufficient boiling water to saturate the contents of the bag, then 
throw a rug over the horse's head to keep the steam from evapor- 
ating too rapidly. 

CESOPHAGUS— GULLET. 

The diseases affecting the gullet are rare in the horse, indeed, 
so rare that beyond referring to ordinary inflammation of the 
oesophageal tube, it is not necessary to mention them; but the 
tube may suffer from mechanical injury, either as the result of 
external violence or through swallowing food that is not suffi- 
ciently broken up or macerated, such as a piece of carrot or 
turnip; the consequence of such an occurrence may lead up to a 
dilatation of the gullet, which, of course, will be chiefly observ- 
able during the period that a horse is eating or drinking, as the 
the dilated portion of the canal becomes extra distended at this 
time; the probability of doing much good under such circuni- 

11 



1 62 VKTKRINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

Stances is decidedly small; some advantage might possibly accrue 
from repeatedly blistering the surface of the skin over the dilata- 
tion, or from a light application of the actual cautery (firing iron) 
over the same. By some such a prescription will doubtless prove 
curious reading in a homoeopathic work, but it is strictly in 
accordance with the principle. Inflammation is probably the 
cause of the dilatation, therefore produce inflammation to cure it; 
we shall have cause to refer to this subject under some forms of 
lameness in which nothing but the firing iron is of the slightest 
use, therefore will not dilate upon it here beyond afi&rming our 
belief in its utility under such conditions; the inflammation set 
up by the firing iron will cause the dilated muscular wall to con- 
tract and so do away with the distention. If the dilatation is not 
too large and of long standing, continued pressure for a consider- 
able period will sometimes affect the desired object, but the incon- 
venience to the animal of such an application would be much more 
serious than the temporary pain inflicted by the cautery, and 
would not prove so effectual. 

If a horse swallows something that will not pass into the 
stomach because it is too large to do so, and becomes fixed in the 
gullet, which is occasionally experienced with a greedy feeder, 
the swelling will be plainly visible; if not so by reason of the 
obstruction being in a portion of the oesophagus that is not exposed 
to ocular demonstration, the horse refuses food, slavers at the 
mouth; if he drinks, the liquid returns through the nose; spas- 
modic contraction of the muscles of the neck will be observable, 
and the animal keeps on making futile efforts at swallowing; the 
easiest method of getting over this difficulty is to pass the instru- 
ment called the probang down the gullet until the obstruction is 
met with, when great care is called for lest the mucous membrane 
be injured or the muscular walls are ruptured; the probang should 
be well oiled, and firm but gentle pressure used to move on the 
obstacle; if possible this should be entrusted to a veterinary sur- 
geon, as the removal of a foreign agent from such a position 
demands great care and some experience. 

GASTRITIS— INFLAMMATION OF STOMACH. 

We now come to consider the various disorders affecting the 
first important natural dilatation of the digestive tube, the stomach; 



GASTRITIS. 163 

this organ is endowed with a special qualification that enables it 
to produce a secretion in the form of a fluid which acts upon the 
food, (after it has been prepared in the mouth by means of 
mastication with the teeth and softening with the saliva), as a 
solvent to render it fit to pass on into the intestines where the 
process of digestion is completed and the alimentary material is 
rendered fit for absorption and assimilation. As this organ has 
such important functions to perform, there need be little wonder, 
if unnatural liberties are taken with it, that it should be the seat 
of various disorders. Considering the size of the animal, and 
comparing the horse with the ox and other classes of animals, the 
size of the stomach in the equine division or order is remarkably 
small; but undoubtedly compensation is made in the extra 
development of the colon or large intestine, as compared with 
other classes of animals, a very interesting fact which doubtless 
is explained in some measure by the digestive processes peculiar 
to the equine race; nevertheless while physiology helps to clear 
lip these remarkably interesting differences in the development of 
the digestive tract in various classes of animals, it also directs the 
attention of the pathologist and therapeutist to those organs which 
demand special consideration from the respective points of view 
of these scientists; the stomach of the horse has proved a stumb- 
ling block to the veterinarian in more ways than one, and depend 
upon it the organ demands a more careful and intelligent stud}^ 
than it has yet received at the hands of members of the profession, 
if the horse is to be kept in health, and to be saved very much of 
the suffering which countless numbers undergo from sheer ignor- 
ance of the subject, and a want of appreciation of its importance; 
there are probably no disorders that are productive of anything 
like so much pain and suffering among horses as are those of the 
stomach and intestines and undoubtedly more horses fall victims 
thereto than to all the other diseases to which they are susceptible 
or liable put together; it is therefore a matter of the first importance, 
in the interest of liorsa owners, that this part of our subject should 
be fully dealt with and intelligently studied. Primary inflam- 
mation of the stomach is not often met with in the horse, but 
consequent upon unwise and indiscreet dieting, the stomach 
may become impacted with a solid mass of alimentary material or 
be distended by gas which ultimately results in irritation that 



164 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

produces inflammation of the organ itself or of the mucous mem- 
brane that lines its walls, and is so intimatelj^ connected with the 
physiological process of gastric juice secretion. Again, injury 
from foreign substances present in the food readily sets up in- 
flammation in this alwa3's delicate organ, and poisonous agents 
such as Arsenic, sometimes indiscreetl}' used by a stableman in 
the hope of producing a glossy coat, or Mercury and Lead ac- 
cidentally taken into the system, will each set up in its turn more 
or less inflammation in the organ. While not infrequently horses 
experience no little damage, when turned out to grass, through 
partaking of some poisonous herb or tree, such as the yew for 
instance. Having in view the fact that there are so many causes 
that ma}^ produce this dangerous condition, it is all the more un- 
satisfactory that the special sj^mptoms of each are not more 
marked and recognizable, because, of course, when produced by 
poisons the antidote is the first thing to be administered; unfortu- 
nateh% however, we are compelled to own that recognition is by 
no means easy and in many cases absolutely impossible until after 
death; there are, however, one or two suggestive differences which 
may in some slight degree help to furnish a clue to the best course 
of action to be adopted under such circumstances. 

Vegetable poisons exercise a marked influence upon the brain 
and nervous S3' stem generallj^, producing at one time violent con- 
vulsions at another stupor and coma, this ma}' probably be fol- 
lowed by paralj'sis affecting the organs of locomotion or interference 
with the co-ordination of movement in the limbs; the ej^es at one 
period evince a w41d look at another are hea\^ and sleep3^, the 
breathing is hurried, urgent and intermittent. 

Poisoning by minerals is recognizable from the fact that the 
whole of the force of the drugs seems to be centred upon the 
stomach and the intestines; this is evinced b}- pain about the 
abdomen, the horse directing his attention to that part of the body 
where he suffers most; a horse does not so often roll as in ordi- 
nar3^ colic, but paws the ground and otherwise evinces discomfort 
and irritation by marching about the box if loose: the respiration 
and pulse are abnormally hurried, and the heart beat is hard; the 
animal has a generally anxious and wearisome sort of expression 
on the face, while sweat breaks out over different parts of the 
hodj. 



GASTRITIS. 165 

Nausea is apparent by a complete loss of appetite; and should 
the poison have been Arsenic thirst is notable for its contancy, 
while the animal partakes of a few sips at a time; with some other 
minerals the thirst demands a large quantity at a time but par- 
taken of seldom for its slaking. After awhile the pulse becomes 
weaker and almost imperceptible; the foeces loose, attended in dis- 
charge with much straining; the legs and extremities generally 
become deathly cold and sweat is general over the whole body. 
When the poison belongs to minerals of the mercurial order, 
salivation is a peculiarly marked feature, while in copper the 
muscles are subject to spasms; the internal temperature sinks 
below the normal, and there is general loss of power. If the 
source of the poison and the nature of the agent that has been 
partaken of can be discovered, the selection of an antidote is a 
simple matter. For Mercurials and Copper, white of egg and 
milk; for Arsenic, Peroxide of iron; for I^ead, Epsom salts; for 
the yew tree. Camphor; for Ammonia and other Alkaline agents 
dilute acid as vinegar or lemon juice, and for acids dilute Alkali 
such as Ammonia, a very small quantity to plenty of water. B}^ 
way of nutriment at such times, all solids must absolutely be dis- 
pensed with for many da3^s, and nutritious mucilaginous drinks, 
such as milk, linseed gruel, barley water, thin arrow root, etc., 
provided instead. 

Inflammation of the stomach, as a primary disorder, rarely pre- 
sents itself in the horse; but as has already been stated, among 
other causes an overloaded or impacted condition will set up in- 
flammation of the organ ; at the same time the animal will probably 
experience considerable pain and inconvenience long before inflam- 
mation of either the muscular walls or simply the mucous mem- 
brane lining them is established, and the point which the stableman 
has to determine so far as he can is whether the pain the horse 
evinces is due to an overloaded state of the stomach or to ordinar}' 
colic affecting the intestines; when in consequence of a ravenous 
appetite or partaking of coarse, indigestible, unsuitable food, the 
stomach is filled to bursting, the process of digestion is arrested 
and the alimentary material does not pass on, symptoms very simi- 
lar to those already quoted will present themselves; such as, pawing 
with the fore-feet attempt at vomition accompanied b\' an escape of 
gas through the mouth or nose; pain evinced by the horse turning its 



1 66 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

head frequently to the side ; trembling and shaking of the muscles 
of the neck and limbs; partial sweating, particularly about the 
neck; extra secretion of saliva which escapes from the mouth in 
abundance, pulse hard, wary and frequent; the expression of the 
countenance very haggard; horse rarely attempts to lie down as in 
colic, indeed, seems afraid to do so; the matter of first importance 
under such circumstances is to restore to the stomach, which has 
lost all nervous and muscular energy, — hence the reason the food 
has become impacted — its health}^ tone; through being called upon 
to do too much at once, the coats of the organ are wearied out, they 
refuse to respond to the nervous stimulus; the p^doric orifice 
which opens into the small intestines is closed, the food that 
ought to pass on for further digestion is retained and the viscus is 
now more than replete with alimentary material; what is to be 
done? ordinary practice would suggest an aloetic purge, but what 
is the use of that? Aloes act upon the intestines almost exclusively; 
w^e have to deal with the stomach which is already so full that 
nothing will pass out of it; therefore, what good will aloes do; 
absolutely none! 

What is required is a remedy that will give tone and impart 
renewed vigour to the muscular wall ot the stomach, so that the 
pyloric orifice will open and the contents of the organ be passed on 
after saturation with gastric juice, into the intestines, and there is 
no drug better calculated or more likely to effect this than Nux 
vomica ix, of which ten drops in half a wineglassful of water 
should be given, and the dose repeated every half hour until 
relief is obtained. 

In those cases where the gastritis is the primary disease and 
presents itself in the acute form, the symptoms are much like those 
already enumerated, and the question at once arises how are the 
two forms to be recognized and distinguished; it is somewhat 
difficult but the careful horseman ought to know whether the 
animal has had an opportunity of over-filling the stomach with 
either digestible or indigestible material; apart from that, the 
symptoms also include, with these already suggested some soreness 
of the throat, a swollen and an infiltrated condition of the eyelids; 
the animal may also be observed licking the walls of the box, and 
grinding his teeth together; the point of the tongue is red but the 



INDIGESTION. 167 

flat "part of the body of that organ is dirt}^ white and covered 
with mucus. 

Treatment. — Kali bichromicum 3X. — This is a famous remedy 
for many troublesome cases; the peculiar condition suggesting its 
selection is best recognized when the coating of the tongue is 
yellow, and the surface thereunder, after cleaning off, ver}' red; 
further, when diarrhoea is present some remarkable cures have 
been effected. 

Bellado7i7ia 3X when complicated with a sore throat, swollen 
condition of the eyes and discharge therefrom. 

Mercurius cor 3X when salivation is a prominent symptom, in 
conjunction with sore throat and gums; breath very foetid. 

Antimonium crudum 3X when the eructation of gas is a promi- 
nent symptom and the tongue is thickly coated with a white 
covering. 

Arsenicum album 3X when the animal becomes impoverished 
and thin; the breath and excretions offensive; the legs swell and 
the fever rises; thirst, a little water and often, is a marked indica- 
tion. 

Nux vomica 3X is such an important stomach medicine that any 
affection of the organ is almost certain to furnish a number of 
symptoms for which at one time or another this remedy is indi- 
cated; those suggestive of its selection are chiefly: loss of appetite; 
depression of spirits; constipation, faeces being hard and coated 
with slime; frequent evidence of a desire to pass dung, with some 
difficulty in effecting the function; pulse small, rapid and thin; 
tongue red at sides and coated w^ith yellow slime on the sur- 
face ; internal temperature elevated to 1 03 degrees or 1 04 degrees ; 
pain attested by considerable restlessness. 

Phosphorus -^^-^ is a remedy that proves useful in chronic cases 
of gastritis, where the disease has been hanging about for a con- 
siderable period; the most suggestive symptoms are vomiting, 
flatulence, hunger that cannot be appeased, dysentery and constant 
straining, the faeces being coated with mucus, blood and slime, 
wasting and continuous fever. 

INDIGESTION— DYSPEPSIA. 

Indigestion, like many other diseases, assumes two forms, acute 
and chronic; the latter is generally a sequel of the former; acute 



l68 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

indigestion is brought on in the first place by overloading the 
stomach beyond its capacity with nutritious food, or by over re- 
pletion with material of inferior quality; it has alread}^ been 
pointed out in a previous chapter, that errors are frequently com- 
mitted by stablemen, when by way of compensating for many 
hours of abstinence large quantities of food are put before a horse, 
under the impression that extra work calls for an increase of food 
supply; but we take this opportunity to again point out that at such 
times the digestive functions, like all the vital powers are wearied, 
Repressed and unequal to extra w^ork; that at such times and under 
such circumstances great care and circumspection should be exer- 
cised to avoid the untoward consequences which so frequently fol- 
low well-intentioned but injudicious management of this kind; 
at such times a horse necessarily feels faint and hungry and un- 
less a higher intelligence is brought to bear regulating the amount 
of food to be partaken of, will eat voraciously, overload the 
stomach to such an extent that the function of digestion will be 
arrested and distension follows as a natural consequence; the re- 
sult is pain, evinced by constant pawing with the fore feet; the 
food instead of digesting ferments in the viscus and large- quanti- 
ties of gas are formed, when the horse protrudes his head and 
makes efforts at eructation, sometimes accompanied by vomition 
of fluid material through the nasal passages; as the pain becomes 
more severe, the animal will throw itself down with violence and 
roll about in too evident agony, occasionally resting on the breast 
bone, with both fore legs bent into position as though it intended 
to rise; great anxiety will be apparent in the countenance, with 
considerable though partial sweats over the neck and body. If 
the stomach is not relieved by a discharge of its contents, the 
animal becomes sympathetically affected in the brain, stupor and 
partial unconsciousness supervening, as is indicated by the hang- 
ing down of its head or pressing the same against the wall; a loss 
of control over the powers of movement is also evinced and the 
pulse is full and resistant; this condition represents what used to 
be described as stomach staggers. 

The acute cases of indigestion in which prompt action for relief 
is called for are much rarer than the chronic form of the disease, 
which comes on as the result of injudicious feeding, and mild 
forms of engorgment which the animal manages to get over with- 



INDIGESTIOX. 169 

out experiencing the more formidable sj-mptoms just enumerated; 
or again b}' an unhealthy condition of the mucous membrane 
and glands of the stomach, in consequence of which the gastric 
and other secretions are wanting in quantity or quality; such 
cases as these develop gradually and in such a manner as to 
render it difficult to recognize the real cause of the disorder; the 
attention is first drawn to the unthriftiness of the horse's coat, the 
appetite is capricious; the animal loses condition and has a 
tucked-up appearance; a very little exertion causes profuse sweat- 
ing; the dung is very irregular in consistence, at one time voided 
in hard, blackish lumps and at another soft, coated with mucus 
and very offensive to the smell; the food, especially oats, passes 
whole and undigested; the urine is scanty and high colored or de- 
posits a w^hite sediment ; the horse evinces also a depraved appetite 
by eating dirt}' , soiled bedding, and licking lime washed walls or 
picking up gravel off the road; the latter practices are very sug- 
gestive of a Crib Biter and Wind Sucker, especially when ac- 
companied by acid eructations and unusiial thirst; the opinions 
held by eminent veterinarians as to the cause of these troublesome 
and very bad habits are various, but we believe that they are in- 
variably due in the first instance to chronic indigestion; the horse 
experiences these acid eructations, due probabl}' to an unhealthy 
condition of the gastric secretion; what in the human subject is 
described as heart-burn is experienced by the animal and to 
obtain relief from the unpleasant sensation, it learns the habit of 
drawing in cool air which it endeavors to swallow with a view to 
alleviation; further, instinct teaches the animal that by firmly lay- 
ing hold of some rigid structure such as a manger, the position 
attained produces a vacuum in the gullet down which the cool air 
rushes; as a natural sequence to this proceeding the stomach is over- 
filled with atmospheric air, and the animal, to obtain relief, en- 
deavors to belch it up again; in consequence of this unnatural 
proceeding, which only affords temporary relief to the unpleasant 
burning sensation in the oesophagus (or gullet) the powers of diges- 
tion are still further impaired, the food is never properly assimi- 
lated, and hence the loss of flesh and condition. Having attached 
a good deal of blame to unwholesome and innutritious food as 
causes of gastric derangement, we must also draw attention to the 
fact that too much stimulating food, such as beans or other mem- 



^JO VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

bers of the leguminous order are not infrequentl}' responsible for 
indigestion, inasmuch as they make too much demand upon the 
secreting powers of the viscus and impair the nervous energy, 
whereby the expulsive movement of the muscular walls is lost 
and the contents are not passed on as they should be. 

The practice of giving horses cooked food is one that cannot be 
commended, and should only be resorted to under very excep- 
tional circumstances, such as may be indicated in certain forms of 
illness; the objection is mainly that the animal is encouraged to 
swallow the food without mastication, without which, of course, 
little or no saliva is secreted, and the alimentary material is thus 
passed into the stomach devoid of that essential element in the 
digestive process; moreover the food is swallowed too rapidly and 
thus the stomach becomes overloaded and distended; the food in- 
stead of being softened by the saliva is rendered moist with a 
liquid that rather tends to counteract the action of the gastric 
juice and certainly dilute it, so that the material is rendered un- 
fit to pass on to the intestines for the completion of the digestive 
process; it will thus be apparent that this also is conducive of in- 
digestion and is a practice to be avoided. In young animals be- 
tween the ages of two and four years, it should be remembered 
that the teeth may also be responsible for some cases of indigestion, 
as the food is not properly masticated but is swallowed in a con- 
dition quite unfit for gastric digestion, in consequence of these ir- 
regularities; the mouth should therefore be examined, and should 
it prove that dentition is backward or is not proceeding with ordi- 
nary healthy regularity the treatment must be directed towards 
the repairment of this difficult}^ not so much by the extraction of 
the offending organs as by the administration of a remedy that 
will foster their normal maturation. 

RUPTURE OF THE STOMACH. 

This is a condition of affairs that admits of no alleviation either 
surgically or therapeutically and we include it in our list of ail- 
ments only to enable horsemen to detect the condition and so 
enable them to form conclusions as to possible hopes of recovery 
when cases of this description comes under notice. 

By some veterinarians vomition is considered as a certain indi- 
cation that rupture of the stomach has taken place, but this can- 



RUPTURE OF THE STOMACH. 1 71 

not be accepted as a positively reliable symptcm, as vomiting 
has been known to take place when the diaphragm or intestines 
have post mortem exhibited a rupture, while the stomach was in- 
tact; moreover the stomach has been found ruptured after death 
while during life no symptoms of vomiting were presented. 

The late Professor Robertson, whose experience was very con- 
siderable, states in his '' Equine Mediciyie'' that "with regard to 
the relation of the symptoms of vomition or attempt at vomition, 
to the actual occurrence of the ruptures there has been considerable 
speculation and little certainty. Many have regarded the existence 
of the lesion as incompatible with any action of the organ approach- 
ing to what may be looked upon as vomition; that with the walls 
of the stomach torn, there could be no effort made for the eject- 
ment of what material was contained in it, and that consequently 
the symptom of vomition, where existing, was always a symptom 
antecedent to the occurrence of the lesion. Of the correctness of this 
we are far from being satisfied; it proceeds upon assumptions we 
can scarcely admit, such as the necessity of a stomach ere vomition 
can be accomplished, the impossibility with a rent in its walls of 
pressure being exercised upon its contained materials, or of relaxa- 
tion of its cardiac opening. To our mind these latter conditions 
will altogether depend upon the nature and extent of the rupture, 
and the relation of the viscus to other influences, ner\^ous and 
muscular. The lesion can certainly be conceived of as being of 
such a character that its interference with forcible contraction of 
the muscular tissue and lessening of the capacity would not be 
obsolute and complete. While from observation made on many 
cases shortly previous to death, and immediately afterwards, there 
appears satisfactory evidence that rupture and escape of ingesta 
into the peritoneal cavity may exist sometimes antecedent to the 
exhibition of attempts at vomition. In some of these there has 
been ample evidence of inflammatory action consequent on the 
escape of contained material into the abdominal cavity, and 
changes which could not possibly have occurred under a period of 
several hours, while not long prior to death we had attempts at 
vomition with ejection of material from the nose. Again it is 
equally certain that actual vomition has occurred during the simple 
repletion and distension of the stomach without any rupture of 
its walls, seeing that following the vomition and discharge of 



172 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

ingesta from the nostrils we have had perfect recovery of the 
animal. Thus while we do not appear to be in a position to give a 
distinct and incontrovertible opinion as to the exact relationship 
w^hich the s3^mptom of vomition or attempted vomition bears to 
rupture of the stomach, there is 3'et ample reason why we should 
as a general rule, particularly when this s^'mptom is collateral with 
others, still continue to regard it as one of the most important. ' ' 
From the foregoing very valuable and important piece of reason- 
ing, it will be seen that the late professor, while not placing im- 
plicit reliance upon vomition as symptomatic of a ruptured stomach, 
evidently considered it an important and suggestive indication; 
and to render some further aid in clearing up the symptomatology 
of this condition, we may add that when in conjunction mth 
vomition, or attempted vomition, the following indications are pre- 
sent, it will be safe to conclude that little hope remains of saving 
the life of ahorse under such circumstances; and the s^^mptoms 
corroborative of this condition are : respirations gradually becomes 
weaker and the animal every now and again heaves a deep sigh; 
the pulse becomes weaker and less frequent in the beat; the coun- 
tenance assumes an anxious appearance; exhibits signs of pain 
and great uneasiness; the visible mucous membrane becomes 
pallid, the mouth and tongue cold and clammy- as death ap- 
proaches the uneasiness ceases, the horse stands in one position, 
with head depressed apparentl}^ nearly unconscious, ultimateh' 
drops and dies. 

If there is a disinclination on the part of an owner to put an 
end to the scene with — in this sort of case — the merciful bullet, 
then nothing remains but to render the last end comparative! 3^ 
eas}^ by the subcutaneous injection of Morphia, that is to saj^, 
when it is quite clear no hope of betterment by medical treat- 
ment seems at all likely. 

GexeraIv Treatment. — Hydrastis can . 0. For d}' spepsia or in- 
digestion, this is one of the finest remedies in the pharmacopoeia, 
and provided common caution is exercised to avoid improper diet, 
primary cases of indigestion will almost invariably yield to this 
agent, and the horse rapidly put on condition. 

Arse?iicum albu77i 3X when attempts at vomition are made in 
the earl}^ stages, which are possibly due to an ulcerated condition 
of the mucous membrane of the stomach, and that, notwithstand- 



I 



RUPTURE OF THE STOMACH. 1 73 

ing the previous remarks anent vomition and ruptures, it is prob- 
able that this remedy would save the rupture, which, when it 
does occur, is sure to be present in a weak spot of the walls of 
the stomach, such as that where an ulcer has been present; should 
the horse be affected with any skin disease, other than one of 
those due to external parasites, this will serve as an additional 
indication for this remedy. 

Carbo vegetabilis 3X. This is a most useful remedy to check 
fermentation and allay that form of indigestion which is accom- 
panied with acidity and flatulence; in cases where a horse has 
eaten voraciously, and distended the stomach to that extent that 
it is well nigh bursting, as indicated in symptomatology, the pure 
vegetable charcoal may with advantage be given, a tablespoon- 
ful being carefully mixed in a pint of water and administered; 
this will act mechanically by arresting the formation of gas 
from the fermenting material and as a" detergent of the imccoiis mem- 
brane'' (Hughes). We have had several very satisfactor}^ in- 
stances of cure by the aid of this remedy of chronic indigestion 
and have found it specially useful in the attenuated form — third 
decimal — in cases of crib biting and wind sucking. Further, we 
are able to confirm Dr. Hughes' symptom, that Carbo veg. is in- 
dicated in cases of flatulent dyspepsia attended with looseness of 
the bowels, rather than constipation. 

Carbolic acid \yL. In view of the complicated and uncertain 
condition of things when vomiting is present, it is highl}^ import- 
ant to test any remedies on the horse that have any power to 
produce vomiting, in the hope that a cure may be affected before 
a rupture of the stomach takes place; and in Carbolic acidw^ have 
such an agent. Vomition accompanied by the formation of gas 
in the stomach, as evidenced by the horse belching up wind 
through the gullet and frequently taking long breaths or sighing, 
indicate this remedy. Should the urine be scanty, thick and 
albuminous and the eye lids be swollen and red confirmatory in- 
dications of its appropriateness are supplied. 

Alumina 3X. We include this remedy in the list, as we once 
had an interesting case of chronic dyspepsia in an old liunter in 
whom a most satisfactory cure was effected. We were led to its 
selection by reason of the peculiar dryness of the fceces and the 
presence of a hard, dry cough; it is specially useful in cases where 



174 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

the gastric juice is deficient, and we believe this was the case with 
our patient; he had been previously dosed ad nauseam with 
Aloes, but all to no purpose; a week's treatment with Alumina, 
two doses a da}', served to effect a most satisfactor}- cure. 

Kali bichroinicum 3X. Cases of chronic indigestion, attended 
with troublesome diarrhoea and the tongue coated with a 3'ellow, 
fur which, if removed, leaves behind a raw surface, will generally 
yield to this drug. 

Nux vomica 3X. No treatise on d3'spepsia would be complete 
that did not include this remedy among its prescriptions; indeed, 
so great has the faith of sincere homceopathists been in ' 'Nux vom. 
for indigestion ' ' that we have known cases — not a few — ^^vhere 
disappointment has followed its use and some discredit brought 
upon Hahnemann's S3'stem in consequence of the blind faith put 
in this drug for all sorts of cases of indigestion; Nux vomica, like 
ever}' other remedial agent, has its own field of operation, and the 
following may be accepted roughly as the S3-mptoms which indi- 
cate its selection: Pain, accompanied b3' some distension; faeces 
hard and difficult of expulsion, frequent attempts to effect a pas- 
sage with much straining; retching occasionalh*, but not neces- 
saril3', occurs; the animal becomes dull, heavy and comatose ; flatu- 
lence and acid-smelling eructations are obsen^able; the back part 
of the tongue, onh', is coated with fur; the horse absolutely refuses 
all kinds of food, nor is much water required. 

THE INTESTINES. 

Before attempting to describe the various disorders affecting 
this part of the digestive tract, we ma3' wdth advantage explain 
how anatomists artificiall3' divide the canal for the sake of distinc- 
tion. The small intestines which commence at the opening out 
of the stomach called the p3'loric orifice consist of three divisions; 
the first known as the duodenum which, as the horse stands, pro- 
ceeds in an upward direction, over the rounded surface of the 
liver, supported b3^ a mesh-like membrane called the omentum; 
the duodenum here receives the duct or tube which conveys the 
bile from the liver and the juice from the pancreas, both of which 
have been referred to as essential products for the completion of 
digestion; this tube enters the duodenum, about five or six inches 
from the pyloric opening; the duodenum then passes over the 



THE INTESTINES. 1 75 

pancreas and here forms a curve round that organ, passes under 
the spinal column and terminates; the next portions of the intes- 
tines are the jejunum and ileum, which hang loosely in the fatty 
membrane called the mesentery terminating on the right side of 
the animal not far from the region of the kidneys at the ileo-caecal 
valve, the latter provision (the valve) being evidently intended to 
prevent food passing back from the large to the small intestines; 
liere commences the large intestines, which in the horse are very 
considerable and occupy by far the largest portion of the abdomi- 
nal cavity; the caecum is like an egg-shaped bag, the base of which 
is situate at the right side, extending forwards, though rather to 
the left, on the floor of the abdomen; it is sufficiently large to 
hold several gallons of water, from four to six, according to the 
size of the horse, and it is generally considered that the large 
draughts of water which horses sometimes consume, pass direct 
into this organ; if this conclusion be correct — and there is good 
reason to believe that it is — it points to the desirability of watering 
an animal before giving it any food, otherwise some portions of 
the undigested or only partly digested alimentary material may 
get washed into the caecum, an organ which, unlike the small in- 
testines, does not possess any glands capable of secreting digestive 
juices. At the point where the small intestine opens into the 
caecum the large intestine known as the double colon commences 
at a junction described as the " ccEcum caput coW ; after a short 
distance a large portion of intestine takes a turn and passes for- 
ward as far as the diaphragm on the right side; here it bends over 
to the left one, and then, after passing in a backward direction^ 
turns once more at what is described as the sigmoid flexure; it 
proceeds yet again in a forward direction, then diverges to the 
left and blends itself into the single colon, which hangs loosely in 
the posterior portion of the abdomen and terminates in the rectum 
and anus. It will, from this description, be gleaned how exten- 
sive a surface the intestinal canal represents; and what with the 
muscular coats and the internal lining of mucous membrane of 
same, each of which is liable to get out of order, there is little 
wonder that the digestive tract of the horse presents opportunities 
for the development of painful conditions oft times resulting 
fatally; for, as has already been averred, the intestinal tract 



176 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

is too often treated, by those who ought to know better, as though. 
it were a metal tube with neither sensibilit}' nor susceptibihtj'. 

INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION. 

The title explains itself; the intestinal tract consists of a tube of 
variable size; the alimentary' material has to pass along the whole 
length — probabh' fort}^ feet or more — of this tube, some of which 
is withdrawn for nutrition and rebuilding of the sj'stem while the 
remainder is passed on and evacuated as solid faecal matter. Dur- 
ing the process an accumulation may easih' be collected, either 
through an unhealthy condition of the mucous membrane, to 
which it adheres, or some other cause, and at this point the tube 
becomes blocked up; an obstruction is established. Yet again, an 
obstruction ma}' be due to a displacement of the intestines, es- 
pecialh' in those parts where they hang free and loose in the 
margins of the mesenter}'; one of the most common and frequentl}" 
observed conditions of the intestines is a twist, in which the in- 
testine becomes entangled in itself; another similar condition is 
observed through the mesentery being torn (the mesentery is a 
fibro-fatty membrane which is attached to the spine and to which 
the intestines are slung) and a portion of the intestines passing 
through the rent; in some mysterious manner the intestines form 
a loop and get tied into a knot. Once more, one part of the in- 
testines passes within that which is continuous with it; this is 
known as intussusception or invagination. We shall presently 
deal with the condition known as colic, but it may be as well to 
state in passing that many cases which are considered in the first 
instance to be merely colic ultimately turn out to be twist, in- 
carceration or intussusception of some portion of the intestines, 
while still another form of obstruction frequenth' met with is the 
presence of a calculus (or stone), which gets wedged into an open- 
ing where a large portion of the tube suddenly merges into one 
much smaller, as is the case when the double colon is continued 
by the single colon, and this is a verj^ favorite spot for large cal- 
culi to become fixed and immovable. It will perhaps facilitate the 
better understanding of the matter if a short explanation be given 
how it is the alimentary material keeps moving along this tube; it 
must be remembered the muscular coat of the intestines consists 
of two layers; the outer layer consisting of fibres placed longitud- 



INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION. 1 77 

inally, and the inner layer of fibres placed transversely; by this 
arrangement the muscular contractions, which are brought about 
by a stimulus furnished from the nervous system, alternate, thus 
producing first an enlargement and then a contraction of the tube 
in consequence of which the alimentary contents are gradually 
pushed on; it should be observed, however, that these said con- 
tractions and dilatations of the tube proceed and follow one an- 
other like the waves of the sea and are not continuous from one 
end of the intestines to the other, as one movement; in this man- 
ner the food passes slowly and steadily along the digestive canal, 
meanwhile mingling with its secretions and being absorbed, as 
digestion is completed, through the various openings and blood- 
vevSsels of the lining mucous membrane. In dealing with these 
various forms of intestinal obstructions it may be as well to take 
that which, in certain places, occurs very frequently, namely the 
presence of a calculus (or stone); in our experience these in- 
testinal concretions, which vary in consistence from material 
formed by the accumulation round a centre of undigestible prov- 
ender to that which is as hard and brittle as a flint and also in 
bulk from the size of a small pebble to an ordinary cannon ball 
are found more often in horses belonging to millers and corn 
factors than anywhere else, and we attribute this to the probable 
fact, that bran is a staple commodity of food with owners of this 
class or trade; we could quote quite a number of instances, were 
it necessary, in proof of this opinion, in which after discontinu- 
ance of bran as an ordinary article of diet the presence of intes- 
tinal calculi never thereafter was discovered, and certainly no losses 
by death from this cause were experienced; inasmuch as bran con- 
tains or consists of a very large proportion of mineral matter, it 
is quite within the bounds of reason that the animal partaking of 
undue proportions of this diet should be unable to assimilate a 
chemical constituent of this character when the same was present 
in superabundant quantities, and it is not improbable that a hind- 
rance to its evacuation might arise by reason of the chemical 
action of the intestinal secretions thereupon; hence the tendency 
to accumulate and deposit around a nucleus, in the way of a 
small nail, pebble or other foreign substance, such as are fre- 
quently found in the large colon of the horse; and this formation 
once established usually continues until one large calculus is 

12 



178 VKTKRINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

formed, and not infrequently quite a quantity of small ones, of 
varying sizes, in addition. It is probably hardly necessary to state 
that unless the calculus passes from the large double colon into 
the single colon before it becomes too large to occupy the lumen 
of the latter portion of the intestines there is no other method of 
relieving the animal of the difficulty other than by surgical opera- 
tion, by effecting an opening through the walls of the abdomen; 
we believe that a few very bold surgical operators have attempted 
this as a deurier-resort , but we cannot from personal experience 
speak as to the probable success of what looks like a rery venture- 
some operation; at the same time we are strongly of opinion that the 
horse will bear surgical interference with the contents of the ab- 
domen far better than the teaching of the past would induce one 
to anticipate; be that how it may, however, such an operation could 
only be undertaken by one trained in the art of surgery and the 
consideration of the subject does not consequently come within 
the bounds of this work. The question then arises, to what extent 
can therapeutics aid in solving the difficulty, and we regret to add 
that in the event of a calculus being present which is too large to 
pass through the single colon only temporary alleviation can be 
afforded; ultimately the calculus is certain to become fixed in the 
opening where the double colon merges into the single colon, the 
constriction in the size of the canal being at this point very marked 
and sudden; the peristaltic action of the intestines forces the calcu- 
lus into this position and there it is retained, unless a violent or sud- 
den reverse peristalisis can be established to cause the muscular 
walls of the large colon to relax their grip of the stone, and it 
thence falls back into the bottom of the large colon, but only in due 
course to go through the same process once again; at the same 
time every horse owner would undoubtedly prefer the off chance 
of a temporary cure to having his animal destroyed on the 
ipse dixit of the most experienced veterinarian of the day. The 
remedy we have found capable of effecting the desired object is 
Nux vomica ix, ihe dose to be repeated every hour until relief is 
obtained; assistance may be afforded three or four times for the 
same animal, periodical attacks coming on every two or three 
months, but in the end it generally happens that the stone be- 
comes so firmly wedged into the lumen of the colon, at the point 
already referred to, that it is immovable and results in the death 



INTESTINAI, OBSTRUCTION. 179 

of the horse after about twelve hours of the most excruciating 
agony. In cases where the Nux vomica treatment does not avail 
in two or three hours to effect relief, at all events in some degree, 
and the animal seems to be getting worse and experiencing severe 
attacks of pain, evincing growing weakness and prostration, it is 
better to anticipate the worst, and afford the poor animal some ease 
by the administration of an anaesthetic, such as two ounces of 
Chloral hydrate dissolved in a quarter pint of water and given per 
mouth, or repeated subcutaneous injections of Morphia — this, for 
humanity's sake, is the course we adopt where the prospect of a 
temporary cure seems unpromising. 

Next in importance to calculi (or stones) so far as frequency of 
occurrence may be accepted as a guide in estimating the import- 
ance of the various forms of intestinal obstruction met with in the 
horse, we should allot the position to " twist " (or entanglement 
of some portion of the intestine upon itself). It is not so difficult, 
as may at first sight appear, to diagnose a case of twist from the 
symptoms which will hereafter be presented under one classifica- 
tion, the single classification being adopted to avoid unnecessar}- 
repetition; there are one or two special symptoms that serve to 
differentiate between twist and the presence of a calculus, which 
we shall point out later on under the general classification of 
symptoms in intestinal obstruction. When the twist takes place 
in the single colon or in the posterior portion of the double colon 
examination per rectum occasionally reveals the condition; having 
thrust the arm up as far as one can reach, it will distinguish the 
presence of a twist by the cord-like state of the intestine, and the 
obstruction will prevent the hand passing beyond the point where 
this is perceptible; the position of the twist can be determined b}^ 
the direction taken by the aforesaid cord-like condition; which 
ever way the cord turns, either to the right or left, the portion of 
the bowel that involves the entanglement nmst come from the 
opposite direction, and it is possible by closing the fist, and 
thrusting it well into the obstruction to swing the entangled por- 
tion to and fro and ultimately by a vigorous effort to throw it back 
again into its natural position; we are well aware that by many 
veterinarians such a result is considered impossible of realization, 
but from experience we are satisfied that it can be done, having 
had the most satisfactory proof of the possibility in more cases 



l8o VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

than one; to mention a single case will probably be sufl&cient for 
our present purpose; we had been in attendance upon a brewer's 
horse, one of the heavy class of animals used by this trade; the 
animal had been in great pain for six hours without intermission, 
everything had been done that was possible to alleviate suffering 
but without avail; the pains w^ere continuous and increasing,, 
already w^e had made several examinations per rectum without 
observing anything, and as matters were becoming more and 
more serious and the pain growing acute, we determined to make 
one more manual examination; on this occasion we distinctly dis- 
covered the cord-like condition already described, and adopted the 
measures for replacement herein suggested; the swinging to and 
fro of the entangled portion of the intestine followed by its falling 
over into the natural position, as the result of the jerk given by 
the arm to effect this result, were distinctly felt, and immedi- 
ATEivY the animal gave a sigh of relief, assumed a calm and easy 
position, the circulation became regular, the coat, previously 
dripping with sweat, rapidl}^ dried, and the horse shortly com- 
menced to feed, ultimately making a good recovery. 

The incarceration of the intestines and invagination of one part 
of the intestines within that w^hich is continuous with it, are also 
conditions affecting the horse occasionally, and when present gener- 
ally take place in the small intestines, and are without doubt capable 
of reduction through the instrumentality of internal medication, 
though the possibility of such a result in therapeutics would 
probably be scouted as ridiculous by all practitioners except the 
followers of Hahnemann. 

Symptoms. — In the opinion of many veterinarians of consider- 
able experience the various S3miptoms which by others are con- 
sidered indicative of intestinal obstruction are not accepted as 
diagnostic of the condition, and while we have no intention of 
posing as an infallible authority we cannot do other than offer our 
opinion that in a majority of cases the following symptoms will be 
presented in one or other of the different forms of obstruction and 
that if the}^ be relied upon few mistakes will be made in diagnos- 
ing the conditions when they arise. The first symptom to which 
the attention is drawn will be the exhibition of considerable pain; 
the horse will lie down roll two or three times, groaning the 
w^hile, suddenly jump onto his legs again, and commence walking 



a 



INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION. l8l 

round the box ; it is difficult to divert the attention of the animal 
from itself; after moving round once or twice a sudden halt will 
be made and the head will be turned to the side the most pain is 
experienced, while at others the nose will be rested on the exact 
locality of the obstruction. After a fe^v turns the animal will lie 
down again, roll, and then maintain the recumbent position for a 
few minutes, suddenly jumping up again and repeating the fore- 
going movements; meanwhile, according to the urgency of the 
pain, sweat breaks out over various parts of the bod}-, and at 
times so profuse is the secretion that the coat is thoroughly sat- 
urated and it can be observed dripping off the bottom of the 
abdomen. In our experience one s3^mptom is diagnostic of calcu- 
lus that we have never observed in a case of twist or other form of 
obstruction, namely, the horse places itself with its tail and quart- 
ers firmly pressed against the walls of the stable and at the same 
time urges as though to effect a passage of faeces. 

In cases of twist, invagination and incarceration of the intes- 
tines, the pulse and respirations are more properly influenced than 
when a calculus is the cause of obstruction; the respirations are 
urgent and hurried at all times and the pulse gradually gets more 
rapid, hard and wir}^ unless relief be afforded until ultimately the 
animal is so w^orn out and exhausted that no pulse is perceptible. 
We have remarked in quite a number of cases of obstruction the 
animal becomes after awhile very impatient of the pain, especially 
in cases of twist. 

Treatment. — There are three remedies that are under their 
own respective indications capable of effecting a cure in cases of 
incarceration, invagination and twist, and of occasionall}" affording 
at least temporary relief when a calculus is the cause of obstruc- 
tion, and they are Nux vomica, Pliunbiun and Belladonna and in 
the foregoing order their value and importance may be ranged. 

Nux vomica ix. Constipation is a most important indication, 
especially when accompanied by frequent ineffectual efforts at 
evacuation; a distended condition of the abdomen with flatus (or 
wind) ; hiccough and rising of either gas or food ; a prolapsed con- 
dition of the anus as the result of repeated straining; the pains, 
while they may be more or less continuous, are certainly spas- 
modic, namely, worse at one time than another. 

Plumbum 3X, is a most effectual remedy in cases of obstruction 



1 82 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

due to impaction of hard, dry faeces shaped like balls, and gener- 
ally black in color; the anus instead of being protruded and 
relaxed as in Nux vomica is constricted; except in cases of twist 
the abdomen is retracted and the horse has a tucked-up appear- 
ance, but when the obstruction is due to impacted faeces the abdo- 
men is swollen and distended; this remed}^ is also very effectual 
in cases of obstruction arising from hernia (rupture) when the 
intestines protrude through the walls of the abdomen in the form 
of a tumor, but such cases are very rare except in foals and stal- 
lions; in the former they take place generally at the navel and are 
known as umbilicaIv hernia; while in the stallion the tumor 
appears in the scrotum, the seat of the testicles, and is known as 
SCROTAL^ HERNIA; whenever a hernia is found in an aged horse, 
it usually takes the form of strangui^ated hernia which in- 
volves a constriction of the intestine so that the contents cannot 
pass onward, and consequently the circulation of the blood is 
arrested in that part. 

Belladonna 3X serves to assist in cases of twist where inflam- 
mation is set up; a swollen and very bright red condition of the 
lining membrane of the e3^es; a firm, hard, resistant swelling in 
the abdomen on the course of the large colon with an indication 
of sharp griping pains at one particular spot, recognizable by the 
horse pointing with his nose repeatedly to the same place may be 
accepted as the symptomatic of this drug. 

Accessory treatment. — The first thing to do in cases of 
this description is to make careful manual exploration of the 
rectum; well oil the hand and arm and empty the bow^el of its 
contents, then search for either a calculus in the single colon or 
the presence of the cord-like condition of the intestine suggestive 
of twisted bowels; should neither of these be observed, it will be 
desirable to invoke the aid of a enema pump — an instrument 
specially used for the purpose — and therewith inject three or 
four gallons of water raised to blood heat into the intestines; in 
the case of calculus this proceeding may assist its displacement or 
if a twist it may afford mechanical aid in reducing it; under any 
circumstances the warm application will be grateful to the sufferer 
and it will aid in locating whatever faeces lie behind the obstruc- 
tion. Beyond this and the regular administration of the most 
suitable remedy every hour or so little can be suggested; should 



COLIC. 183 

no relief be afforded, then to save unnecessary pain, resort had 
better be had to one or other of the anaesthetics before mentioned. 

COLIC. 

A common stable term indicating that violent spasmodic contrac- 
tions of the intestinal muscular walls are ta.king place producing 
sharp griping pains which come on in paroxysms with intermedi- 
ate periods of partial relief; it has been affirmed that in colic of a 
simple and uncomplicated character there is neither exaltation 
of bodily temperature nor acceleration of pulse beat; if this be so 
our experience is an unique one, for we invariably make it a rule 
to take the temperature and test the frequency of the heart beats 
as revealed b}' the pulse, and it is in our experience a very rare 
circumstance to find the pulse normal and certainly more often 
than not the temperature is higher than in robust health; we 
freel}^ admit that there is a vast difference between the state of 
pulse and temperature in a horse suffering from spasm of the 
intestine and one that is the subject of enteritis (inflammation of 
the intestines) ; but our experience does not allow us to confirm 
the statement of other writers on this subject with respect to the 
particular disorder now under consideration. It certainly appears 
at first sight a somewhat singular coincidence that horses are so 
generally and very frequently the subjects of this disorder, unless 
we account for it by susceptibility in consequence of the immense 
volume of the intestinal area; this certainly does not strike us 
as at all a satisfactory conclusion to draw, but probably in at- 
tempting to define the various causes productive of or tending to 
colic we may discover something like rational evidence to account 
for its frequenc}^ Among agricultural horses food is in most cases 
accountable for producing attacks of spasmodic and flatulent colic; 
some owners seem, by their actions, to hold the opinion that any 
rough material, never mind how coarse, is good enough for a 
horse that works on land; the horse returns home after long 
abstinence and being as most are a ravenous feeder, the digestive 
organs are gorged with material that is not only bulky but also too 
fibrous to yield to the action of the digestive juices; the conse- 
quence is that large masses of this undigested material accunuilate 
where they act as an irritant; the muscular walls of the intestine 
at this point become paralyzed after repeated ineffectual efforts 



184 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

to move on the accumulated mass of faeces; the spasms then com- 
mence as the result of the repeated efforts of the intestines above 
the obstruction to forcibly remove this mass of ingesta. Yet, 
again, farm horses are not infrequently the subjects of flatulent 
(or windy) colic either from this dry indigestible material fer- 
menting and thus producing increasing quantities of gases which 
develop distressing and dangerous symptoms, or the same result 
also occurs from the injudicious use of succulent green food, by 
allowing it to be given in a too young and consequently immature 
state or under conditions, for which the atmosphere is responsible 
which are known to render this description of diet unsuitable for 
use. Yet, again, although many farm horses can and do live ex- 
clusively, during certain months of the year on succulent green food, 
their digestive organs require to become accustomed gradually to 
this kind of diet otherwise if allowed to indulge in a sudden reple- 
tion, flatulent colic is the usual sequel of this indiscretion. 
Where really good nutritious food is a staple commodity and 
horses are kept in high condition, intestinal disturbance result- 
ing in colic is of frequent occurrence through the inj udicious prac- 
tice of administering more food than the digestive organs can dis- 
pose of, as is frequently done after an extra hard day's work when 
the urgency of agricultural requirements demand long hours at 
high pressure; the animals are supplied with more rich food than 
the system can appropriate and a greater quantity than will pass 
through the digestive canal, the consequence being that accumu- 
lations take place and obstructions are established with the re- 
sults that have already been defined. 

Horses both of the heavy and the light classes that have to 
work from one place to another, undertaking long, tiresome 
journeys, as is often the case with those kept in large towns in 
connection with big trading concerns, owe their attacks of colic 
more frequently to the influence of cold and damp; to a too free 
allowance of cold water; to at one hour proceeding at a rapid 
pace and then standing still for a considerable time and on their 
return home late at night to an over repletion of food on an empty 
stomach. 

Other causes of colic are those of the various forms of mechani- 
cal obstructions, such as impaction of indigestible material, and 
the presence of large numbers of worms. 



COLIC. 1S5 

Symptoms are in many respects very similar to those alread.3' 
described under the head of intestinal obstruction, with the ex- 
ception that they are not so continuous, nor do they produce such 
severe effects, nor is the attack developed so suddenly; in numer- 
ous instances horses are capable of bearing a good deal of pain 
before presenting any distinct evidence of suffering, and there is 
little reason to doubt that frequently an animal may feel unwell 
for some considerable period before any outward manifestations 
are declared; it is when the pain becomes severe that a horse com- 
mences to paw with his fore feet, strike at the abdomen with the 
hind feet and otherwise give evidence of great restlessness and 
uneasiness; this will be succeeded by attempts to lie down, the prone 
position being ultimately effected, when he will either roll from 
side to side or throw himself right over two or three times and 
then suddenly jump onto his feet and remain quietl}' standing for 
some minutes, evidently the while comparatively free from pain; 
but on the spasm being renewed the pawing is recommenced, and 
after crouching in the act of lying down he will suddenly prostrate 
himself as before and go over the same process from time to time 
until relief is afforded. It is the practice of most horse keepers 
and stablemen, and also of very many veterinarians, to endeavor 
to hinder a horse from rolling, under the impression that it is at- 
tended with the risk of producing a twisted bowel; with this view 
we do not concur, and invariably allow our patients whatever 
comfort and ease is derivable from rolling, under the conviction 
that the act must afford some relief, and this impression receives 
some countenance, as illustrated by the human subject, who in- 
variable tosses about and rolls from, side to side when suffer- 
ing acute agony from abdominal pain. Professor Robertson's 
'' Equme Medicine'' lays down the following points of differentia- 
tion for diagnosing which portions of the intestines are more par- 
ticularly affected, as follows: " It seems probable that the symp- 
toms of extreme restlCvSsness, frequent pawing, much pain, with 
anxious turning of the head to the flanks, are indicative of involve- 
ment to a greater extent of the small intestine; while stretching 
of the body as if desirous of urinating, throwing the head upwards 
with curling of the upper lip and a disposition to move backwards 
and press with the posterior parts against some resisting object, as 
the wall or stall post are more particularly indicative of disturb- 



1 86 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

ance associated with impaction or distension of the large bowel. ' ' 
In cases of flatulent colic, in which the distension of the large 
double colon is the most marked feature, it will be observed that 
horses are ver^' undecided about l3'ing down, and if the}^ do ulti- 
mateh^ resort to this position the}" remain in it but a short time, 
appearing to experience considerable discomfort over and above 
the pain, and consequenth^ after going down the}^ quickly rise to 
their feet. 

In flatulent colic also the respirations are especially affected, 
due probabh' to the fact that the contents of the immensely-dis- 
tended abdomen press unduU* upon the diaphragm and the lungs, 
rendering the breathing peculiarh' difficult; it will be noticed that 
the respirations are short and quick, breathing being effected 
almost entirely b}' the aid of the thoracic muscles. The abdomen 
becomes tense and drum-like, and in the absence of relief there is 
some risk that either the intestinal walls or the diaphragm may be 
ruptured. Intestinal obstruction, simple spasmodic colic 2.vl^ flatn- 
lent colic ma}" arise quite independenth'; at the same time there 
may be a combination of all three in one case at the same time; 
fortunateh' we have remedies capable of combatting each and all 
of these conditions, and in making our choice of treatment we 
must be guided b}' the totality of the S3^mptoms, taking as our 
most important and reliable indication the condition which gives 
evidence of the most prominence; it is, however desirable that it 
should be distinctly understood that these three forms of colic 
need not necessarily occur quite independently of one another, 
but as Professor Robertson sa^^s, ' ' Colic or abdominal pain may be 
the common bond of union which links together these different 
forms of disturbed function, spasm of the bowel, accumulation of 
excrementitious matter and varjing degrees of tympany, it is 
probable that its most frequent manifestation is in connection 
with disturbance which is a variable combination of all these indi- 
vidual conditions." 

Treatment. — Aconite S has proved a consistently successful 
remedy in cases of colic arising from cold and exposure; for colic 
brought on by allowing a horse to drink freelj' when overheated, 
and in cases where inability to pass water is specially marked; the 
horse repeatedh- postures himself to urinate and strains, wdth the 
result that no urine passes, or only a few drops at most; these 



COLIC. 187 

cases are usually observed in horses that work long hours at a 
stretch, among the heavy class, or among carriage horses that 
have to wait at the doors of theatres and concert halls in the chill 
hours of the night; the usual dose should be repeated every half 
hour until the horse passes water or gives outward evidence of 
relief. 

Nux vomica ix may probably be taken as the next most useful 
remedy, and especially in cases due to excessive engorgement from 
food accompanied by marked constipation and repeated efforts to 
evacuate; in compound spasmodic flatulent colic it affords speedy 
relief. 

Colocynthis 3X when the pains are exceptionally severe and 
intermittent, accompanied by diarrhoea and straining to evacuate. 
The animal doubles himself up and rolls excessively ; the flatulent 
condition, if present, shows itself by distension far back in the ab- 
domen; it is essentially a neurotic remed3\ 

Veratrum album 3X is useful in extreme cases, leading on to 
collapse; circulation of the blood is weak and fluttering; purging 
is constant, retching may be present; the body is generally cold 
and bathed in a cold sweat; the muscles of the arms and thighs 
are all of a tremble; spasmodic pains frequent. 

Chamomilla S is essentially a useful remedy when foals are the 
subjects of colic, and especially when the spasms are so sharp and 
severe that the patient seems unable to bear the pain; no less an 
authority than Hahnemann states that "it is less benefical to those 
who remain patient and composed during their sufferings, — an ob- 

9 

servation he considered of the utmost importance;" (Hughes); 
the pains are worse for the application of warmth, such as hot 
flannels, etc., and they cause the patient to be spiteful, coming on 
as a rule during the night, accompanied by insatiable thirst. 

Cocculus Indicus ix very appropriate to mares with foal, especi- 
ally in flatulent (windy) colic, accompanied by irritability, nerv- 
ousness and general coldness of the body. 

Dioscorea villosa 6. — Severe pain in the lower parts of the ab- 
domen, causing the horse to make efforts to kick itself in this 
part, and thereafter it will lie down and stretch all four legs; the 
general pain is continuous, while violent paroxysms come on at 
intervals; the lining membrane of the nose, eyes and mouth is 
sometimes of a deep orange yellow. 



1 88 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

Iris versicolor 6x. — There are some cases of colic in which the 
hver and the pancreas — more especially the latter— are involved, 
which after Nux vomica and Colocynth have failed will yield to 
Iris versicolor; attempts to vomit, purging and extraordinary secre- 
tion of saliva, soreness of the anus from the acrid state of the 
faeces and great tenderness on pressure just behind the ribs on the 
left side serve as reliable indications. 

Plumbum 3X. — Colic due to persistent constipation when the 
faeces are dark in color, round and small in size, dry and lumpy 
in condition; flatulence is present with a constant desire to expel 
the wind; legs and ears are cold; appearance generally depressed 
and cadaverous; animal will rest on the abdomen as though pres- 
sure afforded relief, and there is suppression of urine. 

Accessory Measures. — Flannels wrung out of really hot 
water and applied to the abdomen; copious enemas of water raised 
to the temperature of the body; hand-rubbing of the abdomen; 
for the time being, entire abstention from food, and for some hours 
following relief; thereafter great caution not to give anyth'ng but 
easily digestible food, and that only in small quantities, for two 
days; no horse that has suffered from a severe attack of colic 
should be put to work for several days. 

RUPTURE OF INTESTINAL WALLS 

has been referred to as one of the possible contingencies and a 
sequel of flatulent colic when relief is not afforded by any means 
available; to obviate this unfortunate condition, in cases where 
medicinal agents for some reason or other fail of their desired 
object and the symptoms are extremely urgent as a deniier resort 
the abdomen may be punctured; but this requires a combined in- 
strument known as the trocar and canula, and should be entrusted 
to a veterinary surgeon for performance; by the means of this 
operation, which may be performed with perfect safety in able 
hands, the accumulated gasses are released, the distension due 
thereto reduced and the attendant pain relieved, but it may be 
necessary to allow the canula to remain in position some hours 
until the tendency to form gas is overcome. In the case of rupture, 
however, the case has gone beyond medical or even surgical aid, 
and it is only to enable the reader to recognize the condition that 
it is referred to here and the symptoms presented for considera- 



RUPTURE OF INTKSTlNAIv WALI.S. 1 89 

tion, and to this end we cannot do better than quote Professor 
Robertson's hicid description; he says: ''The symptoms which 
indicate the fatal termination of disturbed function are neither 
uniform nor diagnostic. In some the occurrence of the lesion 
seems to be followed by rapid collapse; in others it would appear 
that life may be prolonged for many hours. With one we may 
have mitigation of the distressing features previously existing; 
with another, on the contrary, all these may suffer aggravation. 
When occurring in association with impaction or unnatural rela- 
tion of ingesta in the colon, together with considerable distension 
from gases in the bowels, in which cases we often have restless- 
ness and much straining, the occurrence of the lesion is naturall}^ 
followed by relief in the symptom of restlessness, and a subsid- 
ence of the straining, comparative calm and quietness being the 
condition succeeding rupture until death. In all with the com- 
pletion of the rupture I have observed that exhaustion is a feature 
rapidly developed; and that although relief from pain seems to 
have been obtained at once and unexpectedly, there is a haggard, 
anxious expression of countenance, a frequent and small pulse, 
steadily becoming more rapid and at last imperceptible, patch}^ 
perspiration, short, catching respiration, gradually a disinclina- 
tion and inability to move, the animal balancing itself as it were 
on the limbs until the very last. Whenever cases of colic, marked 
by impaction of the bowels, with or without much distension, ac- 
companied with straining, suddenly exhibit cessation of the pain 
and straining, together with the appearance of much exhaustion 
and other symptoms indicated, we have some grounds for fearing 
rupture of some part of the intestinal wall." 

In face of the several suggested doubts as to the possibility of 
recognizing the absolutely diagnostic symptoms of intestinal 
rupture, w^e can but earnestly commend the practice of persistent 
treatment right up to the end, even in the most suspicious cases; 
the remedies to be used being those suggested under colic accord- 
ing to the totality of the symptoms. 



igo VKTERIXARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

INFLAMMATION OF INTESTINES. 



ENTERITIS. 

The difference between an inflammator}' condition of the in- 
testine and that which takes place in simple colic, although from 
the character of the pain there is nothing striking to enable one 
to differentiate between them, is recognized in the fact^ that while 
in colic the pain is due to ' ' disturbance of fmidional activity ' ' 
(Robertson), and in many instances is originated through some 
defects in the ner^^ous S3'stem, in enteritis important changes in 
the structure of the intestinal walls are taking place, affecting 
either the lining mucous membrane or the more deeply-seated 
muscular tissues of the walls; in connection with or rather as 
the result of the inflammatory action there is a varying amount 
of effusion of a jell3'-like material which mixes with the faeces 
when of an ordinary consistence ^ but when constipation is marked 
the evacuations are coated with what is vulgarly described as 
slime. The large bowel — double colon — is more often the seat of 
inflammatory attack in the horse than are the smaller portions of the 
intestinal canal ; but unless the origin of the disorder arises from 
irritation, such as may take place when a horse has received 
too large a quantit}^ of Aloes and superpurgation supervenes, the 
intestinal canal being more or less affected from one end to the 
other, the morbid lesions are generally observed in patches. 

Symptoms. — Enteritis is invariably preceded by shivering; the 
attack comes on suddenh- the temperature is exalted to 103 
degrees or more; the pulse is rapid and wiry in character; the 
mouth generally dry and hot; the pain, though frequently less 
severe than some bad cases of colic, is constant, and manipula- 
tion of the abdomen w^ith pressure is resisted; nausea and occa- 
sionally retching are observed; the extremities are invariably 
very cold; the animal will roll, drawing the legs up sharply and 
thereafter stretching them out to the full extent, while at times a 
distinct effort will be made to balance itself on the back; as the 
disease advances, where not successfully checked, the pulse in- 
creases in rapidity while the volume is distinctly lessened and the 
the action of the heart becomes much weaker. As a rule consti- 



INFLAMMATION OF INTESTINES. I9I 

pation is present from the first, but we have known cases in w^hich 
diarrhoea was a marked symptom all through. 

In all cases of enteritis that have proceeded to extremities, it is 
necessary to guard against the delusion that a horse is likely to 
recover in consequence of an apparent improvement from the al- 
leviation of pain, and even though the horse may begin to pick at 
his food ; the relief from the agonizing pain is in such cases probably 
due to mortification; to determine what measure of hope there is 
in such extreme cases one must be guided by the general appear- 
ance of the animal; if it still exhibits a haggard and worn counte- 
nance and is dull and listless in its manner, with a weaker pulse 
and more rapid respirations only the worst can be anticipated; on 
the contrary, if the horse maintains a brighter disposition, looks 
more cheerful, has a stronger pulse and breathes less frequently 
the disappearance of pain is a good augury. 

Treatment. — Aconite ix during the earlier febrile symptoms 
for a few doses to, if possible, reduce the temperature, this gen- 
erally comes in most usefully before the diagnostic symptoms of 
enteritis have declared themselves; the horse appears dull, listless, 
and heavy; the mouth is hot and dry, and the chemical ther- 
mometer indicates a high rate of body heat; as soon as distinct 
evidence of continuous abdominal pain is evinced then the next 
remedy should be resorted to. 

Mefcurius corrosivus 6x. — When the large intestines are the 
seat of inflammation there is no remedy to equal this, and it is 
worthy of special notice that the attenuation here given is the 
proper one, under no circumstances should it be lower (stronger) ; 
as a rule the tongue will be found generally coated, and pro- 
nounced nausea is present; pressure on the abdomen, particularly 
on the right side, fairly forward in position will show marked 
tenderness; diarrhoea, if not present in the first instance, soon fol- 
lows; the faeces are mixed with slime and mucus, w4iile occasion- 
ally streaks of blood will be observable, or a deep tinge of yellow 
or green, indicating the presence of bile; the patient experiences 
a great deal of straining after an evacuation, and the anus and 
parts thereabouts whereon the liquid faeces drip become excoriated 
and sore. A cadaverous and dejected appearance is present, 
sometimes accompanied by a profuse slavering from the mouth. 



192 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

The remedy should be repeated every four hours in doses not ex- 
ceeding ten grains. 

Podophyllum 3X. — This remedy is more especially suitable when 
the inflammation is located in the small intestines; the faeces will 
be mixed, rather than coated, with blood and glairy mucus, while 
in others marked indication of the presence of bile stain will be 
declared; the posterior portion of the abdomen will not evince so 
much tenderness, nor is distension from accumulated gases so 
frequent as when the large intestines are implicated chiefly; in 
cases that are complicated with diarrhoea at the outset, in connec- 
tion with which there is a great deal of straining accompanied by 
protrusion at the anus of portions of the rectal mucous membrane 
this remedy will be found " 01 rapoH.''' 

Lycopodiitm 6x. — In cases of enteritis in foals brought on by 
partaking of indigestible food, which is accompanied by consider- 
able distension through fermentation of the ingestia and very 
audible rumbling in the abdomen' with frequent sharp pains, a 
generally jaundiced appearance of the visible mucous membranes 
and pronounced constipation, this remedy in the usual doses every 
hour will soon afford relief. 

Accessory measures. — The animal must be kept perfectly 
quiet, in a box where the temperature can be maintained at 
an even standard, not below 60 degrees F. ; during the paroxysms 
of pain flannels wrung out of hot water must be constantly 
applied to the abdomen, and after the worst symptoms have passed 
awa3% the abdomen must be carefully clothed with a wet compress 
for several days. The very lightest food possible must be allowed, 
and that onl}^ in small quantities at a time; farinaceous diet is the 
best, with plenty of wholesome milk to drink, varied occasionally 
with an allowance of barley water and then linseed tea. 

DYSENTERY. 

This form of disease is, so far as our experience goes, rarely 
met with in the horse; during the time we have been in practice 
we can only recall two or three clearly-distinct cases; dysentery 
may be described as a combination of enteritis and diarrhoea; fever 
is alwaj^s present, the faecal discharges are fluid, mixed with blood 
and slime, and, unlike enteritis, constipation is never present; 
dysentery, however, owes its origin to very different causes to 



DYSENTERY. 193 

that of enteritis; bad sanitation and unhealthy surroundings; 
malarial poisoning, either through the air or water; persistent 
chronic diarrhoea, and exposure to extremes of temperature are 
mainly accountable for attacks of this disorder when they arise; 
hence very ordinary precautions will serve to protect horses from 
its invasion. 

Symptoms. — Diarrhoea is the earliest noticeable feature of the 
disorder; in the next place fits of shivering will be observed, 
which should lead to the taking of the temperature; this will be 
found somewhat elevated and the pulse abnormally fast; prostra- 
tion is generally well marked, accompanied by impaired appetite 
and general wasting of the muscular tissues; the faecal discharges 
are usually liquid in character mixed with jelly-like mucus and 
blood, while shreds of mucous membrane will be frequently 
observed in the mass; as the disease makes further inroad, the 
appetite decreases, the thirst increases, the faecal discharges 
become ver}^ foetid, while wasting and exhaustion are hourly more 
pronounced; continued straining, both during an evacuation and 
thereafter is specially noticeable; the mucous membrane lining the 
mouth and tongue is frequently soft and pasty in consistence. 

Treatment. — Aconite ix. — In the early stages this remed}^, 
given in hourly doses, will at times arrest the febrile condition 
and thus prevent the further development of the disease; but 
should no apparent advantage follow its administration within 
three hours, it may fairly be concluded that the morbid process 
has obtained too firm a hold upon the constitution, and that drugs 
more appropriate to the precise condition are called for. 

Nitric acid 6x. — In cases of dysentery where the mouth, tongue 
and throat are specially implicated and a dry laryngeal cough ex- 
perienced, this remedy will be found very appropriate. 

Aloes 3. — Forcible expulsion of water}^ evacuations, attended 
with much straining, and soreness of the anus, followed by evident 
exhaustion and faintness. 

Colchiaiin 6. — This remedy fills up a gap that is occasionally 
difficult to supply, when dysentery is associated with the formation 
of gases and the large intestines are inflated, an exceptional condi- 
tion that gives rise to considerable difficulty in treatment; this, 
however, furnishes a proof of the advantage of a homoeopathically 
selected drug which orthodox practice fails to supply; the occur- 

13 



194 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

rence is truly an exceptional one, but this only renders it the more 
valuable when it does arise; the accompanying distinctive symp- 
toms are pronounced nausea, great prostration and rumbling in the 
large intestines. 

Ipecacuanha 3X was in earlier times frequently administered in 
this disease and afterwards fell into disuse. Hahnemann, however, 
revived it in his day, and discovered the specific symptoms which 
suggested its selection, they are particularly persistent straining, 
with frothy, foetid and bloody evacuations, occasionally tinged 
with greenish bile and mixed with mucus; if nausea and retching 
are present they furnish additional reasons for its selection. 

Me7curius corrosivus 6x. — When the evacuations are specially 
of a bloody character, mixed with mucus and attended with severe 
pain and straining, both during and after the passage of faeces, 
with marked suppression of urine and great difiiculty in passing 
the same, while the patient is comparatively composed and quiet, 
this is one of the most effective agents at disposal for this trouble- 
some conditon; indeed it is, more often than not, in true cases of 
dj^sentery, the most reliable remedy in the whole pharmacopoeia. 

Arsenicum album 3X. — Great thirst, demanding frequent and 
small quantities at a time, cold breath, cold extremities, cold 
sweat, great weakness, persistent restlessness, weak heart, stink- 
ing evacuations, highly-colored urine, passed with difficulty, indi- 
cate this remedy. 

Accessory measures. — A wet compress continually applied to 
the abdomen is generally of great benefit; while the most severe 
pains are on, flannels wrung out of very hot water should be ap- 
plied, care being taken to have each successive one ready before 
the previous one is removed; warm injections with the enema 
tube may usefully be administered after an evacuation. Barley 
water, cold water and milk with eggs beaten up and mixed therein 
may be freely allowed; but all stimulating food must be avoided. 

PROLAPSUS ANI. 



PROTRUSION OF I.INING MEMBRANE OF BOWELS. 

This condition is occasionally observed in horses as the result 
occasionally of diarrhoea, but more frequentlj^ of constipation; 



PERITONITIS. 195 

while now and again it arises in consequence of protracted strain- 
ing, produced by the presence of a large calculus in the colon. 

Treatment. — The first thing to be done is to return the pro- 
truded mucous membrane; if it has become swollen and dry by 
reason of long exposure, fomentation with hot water is desirable 
in the first instance, after which the hand should be well lubri- 
cated with carbolized oil, and the exposed parts returned into their 
normal position; it very frequently happens that immediately this 
is done the horse strains, out comes the membrane as before, and 
all the work has to be done over again; in such cases a pad must 
be applied to the anus, which will bring external pressure on the 
parts and be kept there by passing side lines tightl}^ drawn and 
fastened round the chest, the lines being first attached to a broad 
band that passes over the pad and keeps the same in position. 

Ignatia ix, a dose every hour, especially in foals, is a useful 
remedy where there are much straining and frequent ineffectual 
efforts to pass faeces; as soon as any relief is obtained, the fre- 
quency of the dose must be reduced to three times a day and con- 
tinued for a week to overcome any well-established weakness of 
the parts. 

Mercurius corrosivus 6x. — In cases where the prolapse is at- 
tended with much irritation, accompanied by a discharge of mucus, 
and particularly if diarrhoea is present. 

Accessory measures. — After the protruded bowel is returned 
the application of cold water is frequently attended with satisfactory 
results, not only externally, but internally, by means of a syringe 
or enema tube. The animal should be kept perfectly quiet. The 
diet should be light, nourishing, and calculated to favor a healthy 
and easy action of the bowels. If worms, calculus, constipation 
or diarrhoea are the cause of the condition the treatment under 
these headings must be consulted. 

PERITONITIS. 

The intestines are covered and supported by a very fine mem- 
brane, described as the peritoneum; this membrane, which is of 
the serous order, lines the abdomen and also covers the intestines 
and other organs of the abdomen; when attacked by inflammation, 
it is called peritonitis; inflammation of this delicate membrane 
may arise from cold; from irritation arising from an inflamed con- 



196 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

dition of the abdominal organs, such as the intestines, the Hver 
and the uterus; from blood contamination in certain specific fevers, 
such for instance as are associated with the puerperal state in 
females; from operative surgery, such as the infliction of a wound 
in penetrating the abdomen for the relief of flatulent colic, or even 
in castration. 

Symptoms are generally ushered in bj- shivering and an eleva- 
tion of temperature; pain is exhibited in the abdomen of a more 
or less constant character, and the parts are generally so sensitive 
that the animal can ill bear anv pressure, the pulse is quick and 
thready; the patient is restless, and wih not maintain any one 
position long at a time, repeatedly turns the nose to the seat of 
pain, and wears an anxious expression of countenance. In peri- 
tonitis, the result of mechanical injury or surgical wounds, the 
animal gives evidence of ver}" marked internal pain by pawing 
restlessl}^ with the fore feet and paddling with the hind ones; the 
respirations are short and quick, and are performed by means of 
the ribs and thoracic muscles; the pulse is very hard, thin and 
wir}-; the internal temperature rises above the normal, and very 
considerably so if the mechanical injur}" is a serious one; the 
horse will not bear the abdomen to be hand rubbed, as in simple 
colic, as no doubt the pressure externally produces considerable 
pain within. 

Treatment. — Acoiiite ix when peritonitis is due to cold, and 
the febrile symptoms are very pronounced; the doses to be re- 
peated hourly for some time. 

Bryonia 3X follows the previous medicine in similar cases and 
where the pain appears sharp and is aggravated b}- motion; con- 
stipation and general uneasiness are further indications for its 
use, 

Ariiica 3X when peritonitis owes its origin to mechanical injury 
and surgical operations, under which conditions it should be re- 
lied upon from the outset. 

Mercurius corrosivus 6x. — In cases other than those due to me- 
chanical injury, especially when tympany and diarrhoea are pres- 
ent, and the lining membranes of mouth and eyes are verj^ 3'ellow. 
Dr. Hughes affirms: ' ' I have used it more frequently than Bryonia^ 
and with most gratifying results." 

Accessory measures. — Hot fomentations b}' means of flan- 



ASCITES — DROPSY. 1 97 

nels wrung out of boiling water and continuously applied to the 
abdomen afford relief; the horse should have a suppl}^ of cold 
water near at hand in order to partake thereof as frequently as 
may be desired; w^hen the worst of the pain is over a wet compress 
should be constantly applied to the abdomen for some days, and 
the food should be of a light, unstimulating character, adminis- 
tered in vSmall quantities at a time, and not too frequently; perfect 
quiet is also very essential. 

ASCITES. 



DROPSY. 

This form of dropsy is peculiar to the abdomen, and arises from 
the development of a fluid in the peritoneum; it sometimes fol- 
lows an attack of peritonitis, and consists of a collection of fluid in 
the cavity of the abdomen round w^hich the peritoneum forms an 
encircling fold; ascites is veiy frequently due to a diseased condi- 
tion of other organs, namely, the heart, liver and kidneys, con- 
nected with which an obstruction of the venous system is associa- 
ted, bringing about an escape of the fluid constituents of the 
blood, through the walls of the veins; in this way and at such 
times swelling of the limbs is often observed, which is due to the 
same cause; also the animal is dull and devoid of all natural 
spirit; bears a generally unthrifty appearance; has capricious 
appetite; rarely lies down, and w^hen it does, remains in that posi- 
tion but a short time; in addition to the swelling of the limbs, the 
abdomen becomes enlarged and pendulous and the skin along the 
middle line of the belly is swollen, pits on pressure, and there- 
after fills up again. The visible mucous membranes are pale and 
anaemic, the pulse is weak, and often intermittent; the urine is 
scant}', high-colored and thick; when the abdomen is very much 
enlarged and the collection of fluid is extensive around the intes- 
tines, the pressure upon the diaphragm is so great that the breath- 
ing becomes labored and difficult, and is performed almost entirely 
by the thoracic walls, which is recognized by the heaving and ex- 
pansion of the ribs. 

Treatment. — Apocymun Cannabinuni ^. — This remedy is 
credited with possessing a remarkable power over dropsy, and Dr. 



198 VETERINARY HOMOEOPATHY. 

Hale, of Chicago, has drawn special attention to its virtues; Dr. 
Hale seems to consider that its influence for good is derived from 
the specific action of the drug upon the kidnej^s, restoring the 
urinary secretion to its normal constitution and in this wa}^ free- 
ing the system from the surplusage of fluid constituents; probably 
it acts more generally, for in many cases the drug has effected 
relief after other remedies had proved ineffectual. 

Arsenicum album 3X in cases where the legs are much swollen 
and disease of the heart is present; general debility, emaciation and 
poverty; difficult breathing; dry, scaly skin; continuous thirst; 
feeble and irregular pulse; coldness of the ears and other ex- 
tremities are general indications for the selection of this drug. 

Apis mel. 5 is a valuable agent when the animal has difficulty 
in passing water and only makes a small quantity at a time; also 
when the temperature is elevated and febrile symptoms are 
present. 

Digitalis ix when dropsy is due to the irregular action of the 
heart, as indicated by an intermittent pulse, accompanied by great 
difficulty in breathing and when the animal persistently maintains 
the standing posture. 

Accessory Measures. — Contrary to ordinary practice we 
advise that a dropsical horse should be allowed as much cold 
water as it desires to take; there should be a constant supply 
available, as we believe that water under such cases tends to in- 
crease the amount of fluid excreted and that far beyond the bulk that 
is imbibed; it also tends to improve the appetite and restore vigor 
to the constitution; in this way the pulse becomes stronger and 
the dropsical effusions are reduced. Food of the most easily 
digestible character must be allowed, such as artificial grasses, 
carrots, turnips, and the like, with plenty of linseed gruel and 
barley water. The place the animal is stabled in should be dry 
and warm; and if alcoholic stimulants should appear desirable 
Holland gin mixed with milk is the best agent under the circum- 
stances. 

CONSTIPATION. 

This condition of the digestive tract is by no means an uncom- 
mon one in the horse, and it is frequently attended with conse- 
quences that do not lend to the general well-being of the animal; on 



CONSTIPATION. 1 99 

the other hand, it is desirable not to be over anxious, if what is 
deemed to be the natural action of the bowels does not invariably 
take place; for in many cases of illness, especially those attended 
by much fever, the heat of the body seems to dry up the natural 
secretions, and among them the products of the intestinal glands, 
whereby the faeces, as they pass along the canal, are lacking in 
moisture and assume an undue condition of dryness; under such 
circumstances let but the right medicine be selected, appropriate, 
that is, to the main disease and the totality of the symptoms, and 
the constipation will yield to the action of the drug, quite in- 
dependently of any specific action upon the bowels; but in this 
article we are dealing with constipation as an independent and 
special condition, and as such we have to consider its develop- 
ments and treatment. 

While we do not admit for one moment that constipation is a 
condition to be desired, we are perfectly satisfied that a great deal 
more importance is attached to it than the circumstances warrant ; 
there is a tendency among horsemen and stablemen to jump to 
the opposite extreme and to treat the condition as though it in- 
volved the risk of life; no sooner does a horse show some torpidity 
of the bowels than an aloetic ball is prescribed and administered; 
nay! further than that, if a horse has to be got ready for any 
special work, such as hunting, racing, steeple-chasing or what not, 
an aloetic purge is considered desirable as a sort of preliminary to 
further preparation; to question such a course of procedure is of 
course rank hetorodoxy, nevertheless we have no hesitation in af- 
firming that a more undesirable and unnecessary course of action 
was never pursued; one would thmk, judging by common practice in 
every sort of stable, that a horse's digestive canal was a reservoir 
of accumulated filth that called for a regular sluicing out, and that 
the intestines were nothing more than a metal tube which re- 
quired flushing to render them pure; the positive effect of aperi- 
ents upon the intestinal canal is completely ignored, and the fact 
that their action upon the system is "to disorganize the parts on 
which their force is chiefly expended " (Ruddock) is entirely over- 
looked. Let us for a moment just look into the pathogenetic 
effects of Aloes; the action of the drug is mainly brought to bear 
upon the large intestines, the liver and the pancreas; it evidently 
excites the secretions of the mucous membranes, because the faeces 



200 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

are of a decidedly fluid character, but in a more intensified form 
it influences the muscular walls of the intestines to more energetic 
peristaltic action, the evidence of which is quite clear from the 
violent manner in which the faeces are ejected from the anus; its 
action upon the liver is ver}^ marked, inasmuch as the secretion of 
bile is considerably increased; over and above these the whole, of 
the abdomen and its contents is very congested, there being a 
decided determination of blood to the whole of the viscera; when 
administered in quanties beyond the natural ability of the patient 
to bear, super-purgation is readily established which may ba fol- 
lowed by inflammation of the intestines, and under such circum- 
stances the chances of recovery are remote. The effect of an 
ordinary dose of Aloes upon a horse is at all times trying, and 
under the most favorable circumstances many days must elapse 
before the effects pass off; the animal has to be again built up by 
careful attention and feeding before its previous robust condition 
is attained. An idea is entertained by the majority of men who 
have to do with horses that purgatives are necessary every now 
and again to expel impurities from the body, and when after the 
administration of a purge the faeces smell very badly, they tri- 
umphantl}^ point to the fact in proof of their theory; the real fact 
is that Aloes and many other purgative drugs have such an effect 
upon the intestinal canal that the unpleasant smell is really due 
to the drugs and would not have been observed but for the action 
of the drugs themselves; this fact may always be observed how- 
ever good the previous health of the animal. 

One of the bad effects of the action of purgatives, more espec- 
ially as regards those that unduly stimulate the numerous secre- 
tory glands situate in the mucous membrane of the intestines is 
that a large quantity of blood is drawn to these parts, the glands 
pour out their natural secretion in excessive quantities, thereb}^ 
impairing their future usefulness; a general debility of these 
glands is the consequence, they are unable thereafter to secrete a 
normal quantity of their proper fluids, the ingesta is therefore but 
partially dissolved and digested, the faeces are abnormally dr}', 
chronic constipation is established, the necessary nutriment is not 
available from the food passing through the canal, and the horse 
becomes w^eak and unthrifty; such may be accepted as the natural 
consequences of frequent purgation. 



CONSTIPATION. 20I 

According to Hahnemann's principle of treatment, as based 
upon his method of drug selection, purging for constipation is the 
very antithesis, and after a fair experience we can cordially 
endorse all that true and faithful homoeopathists aver as to the 
needlessness of purgation; nay, more, we have no hesitation in 
condemning the practice as positively harmful to the well-being of 
the animal system; it is quite possible that in some cases, where 
constipation is a prominent symptom, that the liver of the patient 
is disordered, and that the normal quantity of bile is not secreted; 
or, on the other hand, the organ may be abnormally active and 
secrete more bile than is necessary for the due performance of the 
function of digestion; whereas Aloes is a more than useful remedy 
by reason of its direct action upon the liver, it is quite possible 
that much benefit may have appeared to follow the administration 
of an ordinary allopathic dose of Aloes to a horse; under such cir- 
cumstances the same amount of good would have followed the ad- 
ministration of a small dose of Aloes, such as we should ourselves 
give, without the undesirable effects brought about by a large 
purgative dose of the drug; but in the face of the good results ob- 
tained the allopath is quite content and never gives a moment's 
consideration to the consequences of heavy dosage, nor to the pos- 
sibility of obtaining the desired result on any lines other than those 
which produce a regular clearance out; the really proper treat- 
ment for constipation is a remedy that is capable, in the healthy 
subject, of producing constipation, together with all the other 
observable symptoms; in point of fact, rather than give Aloes to a 
horse for constipation we administer it for the opposite, as found 
among some of the varied forms of diarrhoea, and specially when 
the rectum is swollen and haemorrhoids or piles are present. Con- 
stipation is by no means a single-handed condition, other symp- 
toms almost invariably accompany it, and this fact alone renders 
it all the more easy to grapple with and overcome without going 
to useless and injurious extremes, if the practitioner only has the 
powers of observation well developed and some practical acquaint- 
ance with the pathogenetic powers of drugs, so as to apply them 
according to the rules of Homoeopathy; readers of this woik will 
find all the necessary information under the various remedies here- 
inafter referred to, and from the distinctive details given there- 
under will be able to note not only how to overcome the difhcul- 



202 VETERINARY HOMGEOPATHY. 

ties, but in what they consist and upon what they depend; and it 
will be further discovered that to treat constipation effectively and 
so as to avoid an earl 5^ recurrence, the object to be attained is not 
alone to bring about an action of the bowels, but rather to correct 
the disorder to which the constipation is primarily due. 

Acid nitric 12. — This drug furnishes an interesting coincidence 
of how the same remedy administered in different attenuations is 
at one time appropriate to diarrhoea, while under somewhat differ- 
ent conditions it is not less useful in constipation; this peculiarity 
of circumstances provides a pitfall for allopaths and they aver that 
it is one of the things "no feller can understand;" it is quite 
certain anyhow that to properly appreciate such apparently con- 
tradictory results one needs to be an intelligent student of Hahne- 
mann; but to return to the subject, namel}", when \'^ Nitric acid 
useful in constipation? To Dr. Dyce Brown, of London, we are 
indebted for the information, to whom Dr. Hughes also gives the 
credit of the observation; constipation accompanied by a dry 
laryngeal cough almost invariably yields to this remedy; but to 
attain the result a high attenuation, like 12. is according to our 
experience necessary ; the lower attenuations, such as third decimal, 
would probably fail, if they did not actually intensify the symp- 
toms; if general constitutional depression be very marked, this 
furnishes confirmatory evidence of the usefulness of Nitric acid 
under such conditions of constipation. Bearing in mind that this 
drug is essentially one for diarrhoea it may be interesting to note 
that beyond the fact that the faecal pellets are rather large and 
somewhat hard, there is nothing characteristic in the condition of 
the dung, as there is in Alumina^ to lead one to select it for con- 
stipation, but in addition to the cough and the general depression 
a foetid state of the urine is observable in Nitric acid cases; the 
reason for dealing thus fully with a drug that is probably but 
rarely indicated in constipation, is accounted for by the fact that 
some cases are exceptional, but when found extremely difficult to 
cure; indeed, impossible with any other remedy; it furnishes a 
splendid illustration of the necessity that frequently arises in prac- 
tice for delicate differentiation without which no practitioner can 
succeed in a very large proportion of cases. 

Alumina 3X. — In this remedy we have a further illustration of 
the absolute importance of the nice discrimination that is requisite 



CONSTIPATION. 203 

to enable one to prescribe successfully in many cases which sorely 
perplex the ordinary allopathic practitioner ; at first sight, one 
who has not made a study of the action of drugs from a homoe- 
opathist's standpoint, would very naturally conclude that Alumina^ 
known by man}^ as the Oxide of Aluminium, was a peculiar agent 
to use as a remedy at all, and the conjecture would follow that if 
administered, the phj^siological result such a procedure would en- 
tail, would be, that constipation must necessarily ensue; or at all 
events a drying Up of the ingesta and faeces involving great diffi- 
culty in the performance of the function of evacuation; w^e may 
state in passing that this deduction is an absolutely correct one, 
when the agent is administered in sufficient quantity to the healthy 
subject; hence its utility in one form of constipation as based 
upon Hahnemann's law of selection. In contradistinction to many 
remedies that are useful in other forms of constipation. Alumina- 
may be selected on evidence that is obtainable from the character- 
istic condition of the faeces, namely, dryness, amounting to a 
crumbling condition, and paleness of color; but in addition to this 
we almost invariably find that the mucous membrane of the 
pharynx is in sympathy with that of the colon and rectum and a 
dry cough is experienced in consequence; dryness of the mucous 
membranes with some irritation is a characteristic feature indicat- 
ing this remedy. (Hughes). The same author mentions that a 
frequent desire to urinate during the night, especially in old 
patients, suggests the utility of Alumina in conjunction with the 
before- mentioned symptoms; this observation we can corroborate; 
in one case of a horse that had long been the subject of a dry 
cough and constipation, the faeces dry, pale and crumbling, all the 
symptoms yielded to a few doses oi Alumina, and the owner was 
so struck by the marvelous rapidity with which the cure was 
effected — for the animal had been under ordinary treatment for 
many months — that it seemed too good to be true, and he enter- 
tained doubts as to its permanency; he was, however, ultimately 
satisfied that the horse was thoroughly restored to health, as he 
thereafter rapidly put on flesh and stood the work of the hunting 
field in his usual form. 

Bryonia alba 3X for constipation that is due to indigestion and 
eating unwholesome, undigestible food; there is no inclination for 
evacuation of faeces; when passed the stool is black and dry and 



204 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

has the appearance of having been burnt; disorder of the liver is 
generally associated with this form of constipation; the dung balls 
are, as a rule, very large and difficult to pass. 

Collinsonia Canadensis ix. — A very valuable remedy for pregnant 
mares having a tendency to inertia of the bowels; this condition 
may readily bring about very undesirable consequences in mares 
that are eight or nine months on with foal, as the straining which 
is thereby provoked, may result in abortion; under such circum- 
stances spasmodic and flatulent colic frequently supervenes, which 
in animals so situated will be relieved with this remedy. 

Hydrastis Canadensis for constipation which is the immediate 
consequence of frequent administration of Aloes or other purgative 
agents; the colon and rectum having got into a debilitated state 
require something to restore them to their normal tone and vigor; 
in prolapse of the anus, due to weakness and general want of 
tone, and for haemorrhoids (or piles') this remedy is worth a fair 
trial, and generally gives good results. 

Lycopodiwn 6x. — In case of obstinate and chronic constipation 
associated with disordered liver this is a most excellent remed}-; 
pain over the region of the liver, on the right side just behind the 
ribs, coldness of the legs and ears, and the passing of a large 
quantity of urine during the night, with a sallow appearance of 
the visible mucous membranes are leading indications for its selec- 
tion. 

Nux vomica 3X. — Constipation is not infrequently due to a 
lack of harmonious peristalsis; consequently the evacuations are 
spasmodic and irregular and often accompanied by straining, 
namely, efforts to pass dung are ineffectual; these may be purely 
idiopathic cases of constipation, unassociated wnth any exciting 
cause, such as often arises from disordered liver, et cetera; the 
condition is essentially the disease, and for such cases Nux vomica 
is the best remedy. 

Opium 3x. — Here we have an illustration of a remedy applied 
by homoeopathists for the exactly opposite condition to that 
which it is most generally used by allopathists; given in large 
quantities it certainly produces constipation, probably by paralyz- 
ing the muscular coats of the intestinal tract; Hahnemann once 
wrote: ''Opium is a specific for certain kinds of the most obstinate 
constipation;" and so we have frequently proved it. 



DIARRHCEA. 205 

The muscular walls of the small colon and rectum seem to have 
lost their peristaltic action; the faeces when passed come away in 
black, hard, glazed balls; drowsiness in a marked degree gener- 
ally presents itself in such cases; the pupils of the eyes are con- 
tracted, and there may be some fever as indicated by the clinical 
thermometer; retention of urine takes place and colic pains speed- 
ily supervene; the constipation may even amount to obstruction, 
still Opium is the remedy in small but frequent doses. 

Plumbum metallicum 3X. — Dr. Hughes sa3^s: "For obstinate 
habitual constipation when the stools are dry and lumpy and the 
intestines half paral3^tic and half crampy, I have the utmost con- 
fidence in it:" this description is intended to refer to the human 
subject, but no language of ours could more correctly define its 
indications among the lower animals; as a rule the impacted faeces 
produce spasmodic colic, and a very reliable symptom as a guide 
to its selection is the retracted, tucked-up condition of the abdo- 
men; in addition to the foregoing, if the horse is observed during 
an attack of colic, such as is here described, to knuckle over at 
the hind fetlock joints, indicating loss of power in the extensor 
tendons, the symptom serves to corroborate the selection of 
Plu7nbum. 

Accessory Measures. — Much assistance may be afforded in 
protracted cases of constipation when the intestines are loaded 
with faecal matter by first carefully emptying the rectum with the 
hand and thereafter injecting tepid water with an enema pump; 
in this way the obstruction, if to such it amounts, will be broken 
down, and the faeces generally rendered soft; moreover the action 
of the water upon the intestinal walls will be to set up a quiet and 
uniform peristaltic movement by means of which frequent evacua- 
tions will be produced, and that without any irritating effect on 
the mucous membrane lining the intestines such as is produced by 
strong purgative agents. 

DIARRHCEA. 

The very opposite condition to constipation, onl}- more to be 
dreaded by reason of its debilitating effect upon the constitutional 
vitality; the evacuations are frequent, excessive and more or less 
fluid; straining is occasionally but infrequently present; diarrhoea 
may arise from eating improper food, or taking impure water; the 



206 VETERINARY HOMOEOPATHY. 

causes may be functional only or due to structural changes in the 
coats of the intestines; congestion of blood to the parts, and oc- 
casionally inflammation arising from cold; through partaking of 
large quantities of very cold water when overheated, especially in 
the summer time; or in consequence of a check to perspiration 
through standing about at draughty street corners or other ex- 
posed places. In the horse there is little doubt that more often 
than not injudicious dieting is responsible for the production of 
diarrhoea; changing the food during spring time from that which 
is of a hard, dry character to that which is green, moist and bulky; 
new hay and oats in like manner are frequently accountable for a 
relaxed condition of faeces, as also are oats that have become 
heated and turned acid; it is also worthy of note, as being a some- 
what remarkable and interesting observation, that both deficiency 
and great excess of bile produce a liquid condition of the faeces; 
the difference in the two extremes being that deficiency of bile 
causes the faeces to scald and irritate the mucous membrane at the 
anal orifice while an excess of bile does not bring about this very 
unpleasant condition of the muco-cutaneous outlet, but imparts to 
the faeces a very deep color and pungent odor and renders them of 
extremely fluid consistence. According to Professor Robertson, 
raw potatoes are very calculated to produce diarrhoea, the " faeces 
being of a pale color, watery and of a peculiar and penetrating 
odor;" our personal acquaintance with the effect of potatoes has 
been confined to their use in a cooked form, and we certainly did 
not observe any ill consequences upon the digestive organs. 
Worms are at times responsible for the troublesome and persistent 
forms of diarrhoea, and to quote Professor Robertson, " the par- 
ticular parasite which appears more liable than others to act as an 
inducing factor in the production of this state is the strongylus 
tetracanthus^ a very small nematoid of a flesh color, a true blood- 
sucker and found inhabiting the coats of the intestines, chiefly the 
colon and caecum. In addition to other symptoms indicative of 
its existence in this situation — as wasting, an unhealthy state of 
the skin, irregular appetite, with the occasional appearance of a 
helminth or two in the faeces — is intestinal irritability, with fitful 
diarrhoea, not excessively watery." 

The only rational method to cure diarrhoea depending upon 
intruders of this kind is to get rid of the cause, but in the case of 



DIARRHCEA. 207 

this class of worm it is no easy task, as they depend upon the life 
blood of the host for their sustenance and, not as many other 
worms do live upon the food taken by the host; the proper and 
only successful treatment under such circumstances is to admin- 
ister a remedy that will render the mucous membrane of the 
intestinal canal incompatible with the nourishment and existence 
of these parasites; this is to be done, not by destroying the para- 
sites by means of strong poisonous drugs, but by the admin- 
istration of a remedy that will restore the mucous membrane to a 
thoroughly healthy state. A very troublesome and dangerous 
form of diarrhoea occasionally arises as the result of an over dose 
of purgative medicine, producing a condition known as super- 
purgation; or it may occur from undue exposure to cold or from 
being put to work while an ordinary dose of purgative medicine 
is operating; under such circumstances it is not wise to trust en- 
tirely to the recuperative powers of nature, some counteracting 
remedy must be administered to check the excessive purgation. 

The common practice is to endeavor to arrest diarrhoea by ad- 
ministering drugs that act as astringents, but these measures are 
unsatisfactory, unreliable and not infrequently extremely prejudi- 
cial; they merely temporize and do not go to the root of the matter, 
inasmuch, that while one symptom is temporarily relieved others 
are aggravated and as a consequence a recurrence takes place. 

Treatment. — Aloes 6x. — Loose motions accompanied b}^ great 
straining, soreness and raw appearance of the anus; animal ap- 
pears weak and exhausted after a motion; quantities of gelatinous- 
looking material comes away with the stool. 

Antimoniurn crudum 3X. — Diarrhoea which alternates with con- 
stipation; dung balls are coated with mucus; rumbling in the ab- 
domen due to fermentation of ingesta; inabilit}" to retain Water, 
urine thick and cloudy; animal is troubled with flatulence, is ex- 
tremely drowsy and loses flesh rapidly; occasionally an eruption 
of the skin, the formation of pimples which suppurate and burst 
is present; the tongue is coated with a thick fur down the middle. 

Acid phosphoric urn 3X. — Exhausting diarrhoea of long standing, 
apparently painless and the animal is unable to retain its faeces, 
constantly passing some involuntarily. 

Arsenicum album 3X. — Diarrhoea with extreme weakness and 
emaciation; constant desire to drink : extremities cold; skin rough 



208 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

and coat harsh; eyes sunken; occasional griping pains attend the 
passing of a motion; faeces fluid and watery. 

Bryonia alba 3X. — Although more generally used in cases of 
constipation this remedy finds its place occasionally in diarrhoea, 
especially during the heat of summer when looseness of the bowels 
follows exposure from great heat to sudden cold, or as the result 
of drinking cold water when heated by exertion. 

Camphor — Rubini' s tincture. — Or that of any competent homoeo- 
pathic chemist who manufactures it at the same strength. Ten 
drops on a dessertspoonful of moist sugar laid far back upon the 
tongue is an invaluable remedy for diarrhoea ^vhere shivering and 
coldness are observed in the early stages, accompanied b}^ con- 
siderable abdominal pain. Dose to be repeated every hour until 
relief is obtained. 

China & for thin, watery diarrhoea with which are mingled 
large quantities of undigested food, and taking place during the 
height of summer heat; not at any other period. 

Ipecacuanha 3X is specially adapted for diarrhoea in young foals 
and colts; this often proves a troublesome condition to the breeder 
and great difficulty is experienced in arresting looseness of bowels 
in young animals; the faeces are of a pappy consistence, of a deep 
3'ellow color, and considerable griping pain attends the evacua- 
tion. The dysenteric diarrhoea in foals which sometimes occurs, 
when the faeces are coated w^ith mucus and tinged with blood 
generally yields to this remed}^; indeed, among 3^oung animals it is 
an invaluable agent for this condition. 

Mercurius corrosivus 6x is essentially the remedy for dysenterj^, 
when the slimy condition of the faeces is the marked symptom of 
the case, of course accompanied with some blood ; in other respects 
the faeces are pale, cla3^-colored and smell very offensively. In 
simple diarrhoea when no blood is passed, nor are there present 
the usual indications of the inflammatory process, Mercurius cor. 
is still a useful agent; but here again the presence of slime and 
the offensive odor are the leading indications for its use. 

Pulsatilla ix. — This again is a useful remedy for sucking foals 
when the digestion is upset by change of food; the faeces are 
variable; sometimes fluid, at others pasty; they are evacuated 
without pain, and appear I0 pass away spontaneously, the little 
animal having no control and being apparently unconscious that 



DIARRHCEA. 209 

the motion is passing; it is said that one noticeable symptom for 
this drug is that the diarrhoea generally occurs during the night; 
this latter we have not noticed, but it is a sympton worth observa- 
tion, as it might serv'e to lead to the selection of this drug at a 
critical time when other treatment had failed. 

Podophyllum 3X. — Among 3'oung animals diarrhoea and the 
straining which frequently exists in conjunction therewith result 
in a prolapse of the rectum; this complication often proves very 
troublesome, and it is more than gratifying to be able to suggest 
a remed}^ that w^ill overcome this vexatious condition of affairs; 
Podophyllum is that remedy-; the agent appears to have a special 
affinity for the small intestines, and when they are the principal 
seat of the diarrhoeic diathesis, Podophyllum will speedily afford 
relief; indeed, w^hen the infiammator}^ process has attacked the 
duodenum jejunum and ileum it is the best remedy- to allay the 
condition and effect a cure; the rectum again is another localit}^ 
that feels the influence of this drug, especially among 3'oung 
animals; this remedy is indicated also when the diarrhoea takes 
place early in the morning; the amount of faeces passed is usualh' 
very large and the smell offensive, said to be not unlike that of 
carrion; a symptom we are able to confirm from experience. 

Rheum. 3X. — We once had a very notable case in which this drug 
effected a distinctly marked cure; and the s3'mptom that led to 
its selection was * * purgation on movement ; ' ' the horse for which 
we prescribed this remedy had been suffering from the disease for 
a long period ; so long as the animal remained quiet in the stable 
the action of the bowels was normal, but directly he was taken to 
work and began to trot, the purging came on — it was a butcher's 
horse; three doses of Rheum served to effect a permanent cure 
and that without any recurrence. 



14 



DISEASES OF THE LIVER 



Among the somewhat complex functions of the liver the most 
prominent and important is undoubtedly that of the formation of 
bile to assist in the digestion of food. Physiologists have alreadj^ 
made some most important discoveries respecting the action of 
bile, but if we may judge by what has already been brought before 
our notice concerning the functions of this organ, w^e can only 
come to the conclusion that there is much more to be learned than 
has yet come to light; one very interesting coincidence has been 
observed by us; the absence of bile is productive of a very irritat- 
ing form of diarrhoea; the presence of an excess of bile results in 
a form of diarrhoea that differs from the previous kind by an 
absence of irritation, by an excess of coloring material and by its 
peculiar odor; we do not for one moment arrogate to ourselves 
the ability to explain these differences, we merely state that such 
is our experience, and we are of the opinion that much has yet to 
be learned from the physiologist's standpoint as to the functions 
of this organ. Horses do not fall victims so readily to diseased 
liver as do dogs, nevertheless the frequent complications with 
other forms of disease in which the liver is involved serve to prove 
how sensitive this organ is and how easily it gets out of order; in 
the course of this work frequent reference is made to liver compli- 
cations as evidenced by a j^ellow condition of the visible mucous 
membranes, the high color of the urine, and the state of the faeces, 
we have frequently remarked that were horses and dogs as free 
livers as men, and included alcohol in their dietary-, they would 
in all probability be the subjects of very decided liver complaints, 
quite as troublesome, if not more so, as in the human subject; 
moreover, the relations of the liver with other organs, and its 
capabilities of influencing them in the performance of their func- 
tions, are deservdng of consideration and attention; among these 
latter may be mentioned one very curious instance in which a 
deranged liver has been held responsible for lameness of the off 

2IO 



CONGESTION OF LIVER 211 

fore limb; it is therefore desirable and important in the interests of 
the owner and the welfare of the horse to be always alive to any 
possible liver complications that may arise in connection with 
almost every form of disease, the suggestive indications of which 
have already been mentioned. 

CONGESTION OF LIVER 

Is intimately connected with disturbance of the heart due either 
to an obstruction of the flow of blood as it returns through the 
large veins, or to an increase of blood over and above the normal 
in the blood vessels which convey the vital fluid to and from the 
organ itself; it has already been stated that the principal function 
of the liver is the formation of bile; the organ "is made up of 
small roundish or oval portions called lobules each of which is 
about 2V of ^^ ^^^^ i'^ diameter, and composed of the minute 
branches of the portal vein, hepatic artery, hepatic duct and he- 
patic vein; while the interstices of these vessels are filled by the 
liver cells. These cells which make up a great portion of the 
substance of the organ are rounded or polygonal from about -^-^ 
to T^Vo" of ^^ i^^^ i^ diameter containing well-marked nuclei and 
granules and having sometimes a yellowish tinge, especially about 
their nuclei; frequently also they contain also various-sized parti- 
cles of fat. Each lobule is very sparingly invested by areolar tis- 
sue" {^Kirke' s Physiology^. The small vessles described as ducts 
convey the bile after it is formed in the cells to the main duct, 
which empties itself into the intestines, and as these lie in juxta- 
position to the numerous blood vessels already named it will be 
apparent how it is that an excessive accumulation of blood, which 
does not pass away from the organ as it should do, accounts for 
much that would otherwise be difficult to understand in relation to 
the yellow color imparted to the visible mucous membranes, from 
which we learn by ocular demonstration that the functions of the 
liver are disorganized and out of order, for it would appear that 
when the flow of blood out of the organ is retarded, pressure is 
brought to bear on the bile ducts, hindering the free passage of the 
bile in its right course and causing it to pass through the walls of 
the ducts into and through those of the blood vessels, by which 
means the blood stream is overcharged with bile and its color 
altered, and in this way the yellow tinge is imparted to the pale 



212 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

mucous membranes as the blood continues its course over the gen- 
eral system. 

Symptoms. — Yellow condition of the mucous membrane of eyes 
and mouth; pain of the right side in region of liver, just behind 
the last rib, which the horse shows by frequently turning his 
head in this direction and by tenderness on manipulation; marked 
languor and dulness; impaired appetite; frequent pulse and quick 
respirations; but unless complicated with other disease the temper- 
ature remains about normal; legs and ears are frequently cold; at 
the same time it will be well to examine the patient for diseases 
of heart, lungs and intestines, as complications are frequently 
present. 

Hepatitis or i7iflammation of the liver rarely occurs among horses; 
and ' ' the condition when affecting the horse I have not been able 
during life to differentiate from the congestive actions already 
noticed. The existence of hepatic disturbance may be certain; to 
determine whether the gland is congested or superficialh^ inflamed 
is, in the greater number of cases, not possible. The history of 
the case ma}" in some instances assist us. " (Robertson) . The ex- 
perience of this writer is in complete harmony with our own, but 
we have quoted his own words in proof of the fact we are not. 
alone in being unable to definitely distinguish in all cases between 
simple congestive and inflammatory action; we shall therefore 
proceed to deal with the treatment of the disease as it generally 
presents itself among horses. 

Treatment. — Bryonia 3X. — Tenderness on pressure; region 
of liver may be slightly swollen and enlarged; giddiness; pale 
yellowness of skin and mucous membranes; constipation, no incli- 
nation to pass fseces. 

Mercurius solubilis 3X. — Shivering; cold sweat; faeces pale in. 
color, constipated and offensive to the smell; appetite suspended; 
eyes and mouth yellow, but the skin is sallow looking; horse ex- 
periences so much pain in the region of liver that he rarely lies 
down, and when he does, it is to rest on the near side; the faeces 
may be relaxed, in which case they give evidence of the presence 
of an excess of bile so far as the color is concerned. 

Aconite 3X in cases of sudden and acute bilious fever, when the 
temperature is exalted and the pulse and respirations much more 



CONGKSTION OF THE LIVER. 213 

frequent than they should be; biUous attacks that are the result 
of cold and chill. 

Chelidonium majus has a marked action on the liver; chronic 
inflammation, jaundice and the presence of gall stones call for its 
remedial powers, and derive marked benefit therefrom; the faeces 
may be either soft and of a deep yellow color, or constipated and 
very pale; the skin and visible mucous membranes are generally 
of a deep orange color, such as is observed in a true case of 
jaundice; the urine thick, of a deep yellow color, and leaving a 
sediment after evaporation; the tongue thickly coated with yellow 
fur. 

Leptandra Virginica 9. — The usual symptoms of bilious fever 
or jaundice, but with one especial distinguishing characteristic of 
the faeces, ^^ frequent, profuse, black, foetid and papescent.'' 
(Hughes). 

Lycopodium 3X. — Obstinate constipation; action of kidneys un- 
usually active, a great deal of urine passed during the night; 
rumbling of wind in the intestines; visible mucous membranes 
pale and sallow; extreme tenderness on manipulating the seat of 
the liver; oppressed breathing; deposit of brick-dust-looking sedi- 
ment with the urine. 

Hepar S2ilphur 6x in cases of congested liver after the patients 
have been ineffectually dosed with too large quantities of calomel. 

Accessory Measures. — Food of a non-stimulating character 
should be allowed in moderate quantity only; corn of all descrip- 
tions must be temporarily suspended; if the time of year permits 
it, artificial grasses, such as clover and lucerne, form the best and 
most suitable articles of diet; the horse should be placed in a 
roomy loose box, wherein he can move about if so disposed, and 
so soon as convalescence is established exercise on a gradually in- 
creasing vscale should be given, the horse being led by hand for 
this purpose; but actual work must not be attempted until the 
animal has resumed his natural vigor and life, and even then 
should be brought to it by degrees. 



DISEASES OF THE 
URINARY AND GENERATIVE ORGANS. 



In attempting to treat of these subjects in a plain and easy-to- 
be-understood manner, we confess to entertaining some fear as to 
success, for we recognize no little difficulty in the effort before us; 
it is indeed b}' no means a simple matter to explain wh}^ such 
difficult}^ exists; the fact, however, is an acknowledged one, that 
even in the realm of ph3''siology masters of the science are unable 
to reconcile, one with the other, the multifarious details affecting 
the functions of the organs now under consideration, and precisely 
as to the results of the performance of said functions. It is, how- 
ever, desirable for the better appreciation of the diseases affecting 
the urinary organs, that it should be understood that broadly 
speaking their functions are the separation from the blood of those 
substances that the body has no further use for, the collection of 
such in a state of solution and their conveyance out of the body; 
the kidneys are the organs through the medium of which the 
effete material in the blood is separated and collected for trans- 
mission through tubes which connect the kidneys with the bladder, 
the receptacle provided for retention of the urine as it is 
drop b}' drop filtered through the kidne3'S; from the blad- 
der it passes through a still larger tube called the urethra, 
which in the male passes down the full length of the generative 
organ, while in the female it empties itself into the genital canal 
about two or three inches from the opening of the same. To re- 
turn to the kidneys, their mechanism is arranged structurally to 
realize a continuous process of stead}^ filtration; very minute blood 
vessels lie side by side with equally minute tubes for the collection 
of urine, the arrangements for which are most beautifully ordered 
for the realization of this object; the power of selection — if such 
a term may be applied — which the kidneys possess to draw off 
from the blood, only those constituents which are worn out and 

214 



DISEASES OF THE URINARY AND GENERATIVE ORGANS. 21 5 

done with is certainly remarkable: according to the amount of 
pressure in the blood stream, which is, in a great measure at least, 
regulated by the force of the heart's contractions, so chiefly is the 
secretion of the urine augmented or decreased; at the same time 
the secretion may be modified if there is an obstruction in the 
veins, which is one way of explaining in what way the liver, 
when the portal circulation is out of order, has an influence on 
the urinary secretion; by way of illustrating the power which 
blood pressure has in the production of urine, it is only necessary 
to refer to the well known fact that in hot weather much less urine 
is passed than in cold, assuming that the amounts of fluid taken 
into the body are nearly equal; this is due to the relaxed condition 
of the capillaries of the skin through which the watery constitu- 
ents of the blood exude in the form of perspiration, consequently 
the amount of fluid that has to be filtered through the kidneys is 
much reduced. 

It should also be understood that while one of the main func- 
tions of the kidneys is that of filtration from the blood, there are 
recognized constituents in the urine which have not been observed 
in the same form in the blood, hence the conclusion has been ar- 
rived at that the kidneys have the power of secretion, and that 
certain constituents are added to the urine in its passage 
through the tubes of the kidneys; putting these facts together, it 
will be seen that the functions ot the kidneys are of a twofold 
character; namely, first, the function of filtrating the watery and 
soluble substances from the blood; and, second, the removal of 
certain constituents which go to make up the whole of the urine 
by means of a secretory power possessed by the uriniferous tubes; 
these facts are worth noting and have a special interest when deal- 
ing with a case of suppression of urine in the horse. If a kidne}^ 
be cut into two equal sections and the surface of the cut portion 
examined under a powerful magnifying glass, it will be seen that 
it consists mainly of convoluted tubes of various sizes, while the 
central portion of the organ forms a cavity wherein the secretion is 
collected ; from thence the urine passes down a single tube of pro- 
portionately larger calibre and is emptied into the bladder, which 
is an organ consisting of various kinds of muscles lined internally 
with mucous membrane; as the bladder becomes filled the desire 
to evacuate same arises through the influence of certain nerve 



2l6 VETERIXARY HOMOEOPATHY. 

branches from the spinal cord, and the desire is responded to by 
the action of special nerves upon certain muscular fibres which go 
to make up the walls of the bladder, and therefore thes2 muscular 
fibres contract and in this way make the organ itself smaller, and 
so the urine is forced out into the urethra and from thence dis- 
charged as hereinbefore explained; other influences are brought 
to bear in assisting the bladder to empty itself, but this will suffice 
for the object in view, namely, to supply a cursory glance of the 
function of urination. In order that the importance of obtaining 
an intelligent appreciation of this subject may be impressed upon 
the reader, it ma}' be well to state, as shortly as possible, the prin- 
cipal constituents of urine; and as we proceed it is hoped that it 
will be discovered this has an important bearing upon the health 
of horses, as observations of the appearance of urine, so far as 
regards color and consistence are made. In the first place, the 
specific gravity of *the horse's urine averages 1045; the range 
varies from 1 01 6 to 1060, the variations depend in a great measure 
upon the mode of feeding as well as upon diseased conditions; the 
diet also has a bearing upon the condition of urine whether the 
same gives an acid or an alkaline reaction upon testing, a process 
that furnishes valuable aid in selecting a drug under certain con- 
ditions The constituent composition of urine in health is ap- 
proximately made up of water, urea and uric acid, which are de- 
composition products of food and of the tissues of the body; hippvuic 
acid derived chiefly from food; coloring and aromatic matters, and 
salts, among which the phosphates abound. IMuch greater care 
in obser\-ing the state of the urine is called for than is generalh' 
exhibited during periods of illness, and there are several points 
calling for special consideration; for instance, urine may have 
either an excess or deficienc}' of the water}' constituents; an excess 
of water may under certain conditions be favorable, as it serves to 
wash away from the tubes of the kidneys any accumulation of 
solid matter that has collected during disease; on the other hand 
it may be an e\'idence of disease itself, as in one form of diabetes. 
Then, with regard to apparent deficiency of water, it ma}' be due 
to the fact of the horse having been submitted to hard work in 
hot weather causing considerable perspiration : or the increase of 
urea and other solid constituents may be larger without a relative 
increase in the water; in both instances the alteration may take 



CONGESTION OF KIDNEYS. 217 

place without involving any morbid conditions; but should the 
changes occur in conjunction with the development of some febrile 
disease it would be clear that the one was associated with the other 
and this would undoubtedly be an aid to diagnosis and treatment. 
Further, it may be found by examination that there are substances 
present in the urine that are not found in health, such as albumen, 
bile, sugar, any or all of which will be present in a state of solu- 
tion and require chemical tests to discover their presence; blood, 
pus and mucus, the presence of which can be determined by 
microscopical and chemical examination. It would not serve any 
useful purpose to mention in detail the several methods of testing 
for the presence of such abnormal and foreign substances, the 
safest and cheapest procedure is to submit the urine to a . qualified 
analytical chemist, and obtain a full report, as much may depend 
upon a proper appreciation of the actual facts as to the nature of 
the disease, its locality and conditions; and this is the more im- 
portant, inasmuch as distant organs like the liver and the lungs, 
to say nothing of the organs of digestion and circulation, exercise 
a distinct and unmistakable influence upon the urinary secretion, 
and it is absolutely necessary to differentiate between morbid con- 
ditions due to other and distant organs and morbid lesions of the 
urinary organs themselves. We commenced the chapter by assert- 
ing that the subject of the urinary organs was a complex and diffi- 
cult one, and we believe this brief introduction to the main sub- 
jects will in the opinion of our readers fully justify the assertion. 

CONGESTION OF KIDNEYS. 



RENAL CONGESTION. 

By renal congestion is to be understood an excess of blood in 
the structure of the kidneys; this congestion is a condition which 
invariably precedes inflammation of these, or, indeed, any organ 
of the body; and if the congestion can be allayed, inflammation 
will never follow. The word inflammation with the ordinary 
stableman, or even with the horse-knacker, is a phrase that is vul- 
garly applied to almost every case of illness where there is an evi- 
dence of excess of blood to a part without regard to the real dis- 
ease conditions or the organs affected; and we have repeatedly 



2l8 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

heard post-mortem congestion of the lung, on the side the dead 
horse had lain for some hours, seriously described as inflamma- 
tion; it is therefore desirable that a more intelligent appreciation 
of the meaning of these words should be accepted by those who 
peruse these pages. Congestion of the kidnej^s is not frequently 
met with in the horse, a somewhat remarkable fact when we bear 
in mind that it is capable of development as the result of intro- 
ducing into the system such irritant agents as Turpentine and 
Cantharides, both of which are frequently used as outward appli- 
cations in connection with blistering and stimulating operations; 
we have known more than one case where distinct evidence of 
renal congestion was shown following a blister applied to the loins 
for a sprained back caused by a horse over-jumpingin the hunting 
field; and one case in which a horse had an application of Turpen- 
tine over his ribs for congestion of the lungs; the best antidote in 
such cases is Camphor; the fact remains, however, as a standing 
monument in proof of the truth of the principles of Homoeopathy, 
inasmuch as both these drugs prove remedial in all simple cases of 
congestion of the kidneys when brought on from cold or following 
upon some specific fever. It is desirable in all cases to observe 
the symptoms which indicate a congested condition of the kid- 
neys, in order to prevent its developing into true inflammation, 
and probably one of the earliest of these is suppression of urine; 
the horse will repeatedly posture himself, as for the act of mictur- 
ition, and strain out a few drops only of thick, turbid urine, some- 
times accompanied with a little blood, but the latter will not 
always be observable to the naked eye, while j^et again, the red 
coloring material may be distinctly observable and no blood 
corpuscles visible under the microscope, these being present in a 
broken-up state. The constitutional symptoms are not sufficiently 
marked to enable one to rely upon them as a sure indication that 
the horse is wrong, therefore we shall pass on to the 

Treatment. — Provided that Turpentine is not the cause of con- 
gestion, there is no remedy more likely to prove effectual than Tere- 
binthina 3X. Other remedies, such as Bellado?ina, Mercurius corro- 
sivus, Cantharis and Arsenic have produced congested kidneys and 
would no doubt prove serviceable under given conditions, but these 
it is not worth while reverting to, in face of the almost invariable 
success of Terebinth, There is, however, one condition that may 



INFI^AMMATION OF KIDNEYS. 219 

give rise to renal congestion, namely, external violence and conse- 
quent injuries to the renal organs, when, as a rule. Arnica 2 x will 
be found most suitable, and the internal administration of this drug 
may very usefully be combined with an outward application of a 
lotion of the same 1-6 applied as a compress. In all cases where 
the patient exhibits symptoms 6i great pain by uneasiness and 
unwillingness to rest, warm compresses should be applied by 
wringing out flannel dipped in boiling water, apply same when at 
all bearable, cover with oil skin, and over that again a thick horse 
cloth. 

INFLAMMATION' OF KIDNEYS. 



NEPHRITIS. 

lyike some other organs of complex structure, the kidneys may 
be the seat of inflammation as a whole — certainh^ a rare occur- 
rence in the horse — or as is more common, one portion of their 
structure is in a state of inflammation, while the other may be 
entirely free from the influence of inflammatory products; while 
it is common practice among laymen to speak of inflammation of 
the kidneys in a general sort of way as though one form and one 
only existed, it is desirable for the sake of successful treatment to 
endeavor to make it clear that a distinction exists, what that dis- 
tinction is and how it may be discovered. Already an attempt, 
though a very crude one, has been made to explain something of 
the anatomical structure of a kidney, and we got so far as to show 
that this organ consisted mainly of tubes of varying size and con- 
figuration, arranged in bundles, and that as well as the tubes 
their structure consisted also of various shades and sizes of blood 
vessels; now it will no doubt appear quite feasible — indeed abso- 
lutely necessary — that some sort of support should be supplied to 
keep these tubes and blood vessels in place, and so there is a 
fibrous network cunningly introduced between the interstices of 
the tubes described as ''connective tissue,'' the whole being en- 
closed and kept in shape by a beautifully fine membrane called 
the capsule. Not to burden the reader with an unnecessarily long 
explanation we shall divide the possible inflammatory conditions 
of the kidney into two groups; first — inflammation of the tubes or 



2 20 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY 

tubal nephritis; and second — inflammation of the ^' conjiedive 
tissue'^ ox: interstitial iiephritis; a third condition however some- 
times arises which may develop either among the tubes or in the 
substance of the ' ' connective tissue ' ' and may therefore become 
a sequel to either of the two main groups of inflammation, namely, 
suppurative 7iephritis, or the formation of abscesses due very fre- 
quently to blood poisoning. The next question that arises for 
consideration is how are these two main groups of inflammation 
to be recognized the one from the other. 

When the tubes are the seat of inflammation, the deleterious 
and effete matter which is trying to make its way out of the sys- 
tem through the kidney's blocks up the urine tubes because the 
quantitj" of material to be conveyed is in excess of the capacity of 
the tubes, this being the origin of the primar}' congestion and 
subsequent itiflammation; there being under these conditions no 
suppression of urine, the fluid constituents are unable to pass out 
as in health and a regular block takes place; the consequence is 
that with the pressure of the blood stream behind, the fluid por- 
tions must find an exit somewhere, and dropsical effusions under 
the skin are the result and albumen almost invariabh' makes its 
appearance in the urine; in the horse, the most common localities 
for the effusions to first appear are the breast and the penis, some- 
times extending along the floor of the abdomen; as in the case of 
renal congestion the flrst thing to attract the stableman's atten- 
tion is the uneasiness, the repeated posturing with hind and fore 
legs as about to micturate, standing up again and so on until per- 
haps a small quantity of thickish-looking urine is passed; a turn- 
ing round of the head first to one side and then the other, and if 
not tied up occasionally b'ing down and on rising making a 
further effort to pass water. 

The horse will experience some general disturbance affecting 
temperature (103 degrees), pulse (75), respiration uncertain. The 
appetite for food will be decidedly" impaired and the desire for 
fluids almost nil; the horse will evince a good deal of pain when 
called upon to move, and the hind legs will be dragged along in a 
stiff, almost helpless manner; gentle pressure over the loins on 
either side of the spinal column will cause the animal to exhibit 
distinct e\'idence of tenderness and pain. An opportunity must 
be availed of, when the horse is able to pass a little water to have 



NEPHRITIS. 221 

some collected in a perfectly clean vessel; this should at once be 
carefully transferred to a clean bottle, tightly corked down and 
forwarded to the nearest analytical chemist without loss of time, 
and should the report confirm the natural suspicion that tube 
casts, albumen and possibly blood are present, good reason w^ll 
exist for administering Cantharis 3X every three hours; should this 
fail to give relief in the course of twelve hours, and the suppres- 
sion of the urine thereafter becomes complete then Terebinthina 
IX must be tested. 

In those cases wherein the effusion under the skin is very pro- 
nounced and the exhalations from the skin have a decided urinifer- 
ous smell, Terebinthina should be given in the first instance, and 
when the urinary troubles are relieved therefrom, but the effusions 
remain as large as before, Apis mel. ix three times a day should 
be given. This urinary difficulty occasionally arises as a sequel 
to strangles or influenza in the horse; when this is so, and the 
dropsical condition about the chest and other parts is slow to be 
removed, Arsenicum 3X grains ten three times a daj?- will often 
effect the desired object and otherwise tend to restore the animal 
to a good state of health and vigor. 

To return to the other group, namely, Interstitial nephritis^ or 
inflammation of the connective tissue of the organ, we have to 
deal with a far more serious condition of affairs, but fortunateh^ 
lor horse owners one only rarely observed in that animal; it has 
been stated that it may start as a sequel to tubal nephritis or in 
an independent character of its own; moreover, the extent of the 
parts affected varies, which no doubt makes a deal of difference in 
the results of treatment. By a remarkable coincidence, so far as 
cause and effect have a bearing upon the treatment suggested for 
this description of renal inflammation, we find that the late Prof. 
Robertson in his masterly work on ' ' Equine Medicine^ ' ' when deal- 
ing with the ' ' causation ' ' of this morbid condition states, * ' slow 
ingestion of lead and some of its saUs are vSaid to induce the 
condition," while Dr. Hughes in \\\?> Manual of Therapeutics '\\\ 
the chapter devoted to this subject affirms, "I have always 
pointed out that our most hopeful outlook is in the direction of 
Plumbum.'" In comparing these two statements, emanating as 
they do from such eminent authorities, we are compelled to come 
to the conclusion that a distinct pathogenetic and therapeutic 



22 2 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

relation exists between lead and interstitial nephritis. We have 
never seen a case in the horse, but have good reason for believing 
that we once enjoyed the exceptional opportunity of doing so in 
the cow; so far as the animal was concerned she presented a most 
perfect picture of lead poisoning one could ever expect or wish to 
see, still no opportunity had existed for her to partake of the 
poison. Without the slightest hesitation therefore we prescribed 
Plumbinn 3X, grains xv every four hours, and one of the most 
unexpected and marvellous cures was effected we ever expect to 
witness; the cow's urine gave unmistakable evidence of the con- 
dition of the kidneys; this was accompanied with spasmodic colic, 
knuckling over of the hind fetlock joints; paralysis of the intes- 
tines; frightful emaciation; constipation; retracted abdomen; sup- 
pression of milk secretion; slow, lethargic pulse; breathing op- 
pressed; temperature below normal; eyes amaurotic; the urine 
had to be drawn off with the catheter, and the passage of the faeces 
was assisted with repeated injections of warm water, and when 
passed consisted of small, black, bullet-shaped masses. Now, 
although this was not a complicated case of interstitial nephritis 
we feel justified in quoting it as a practical illustration of the suit- 
ability of Plumbum for this disease condition. 

We now pass on to -the consideration of suppurative 7iephriHs, 
namely that condition in which ordinary inflammation has devel- 
oped into the formation of abscesses; the only special symptom 
over and above those already indicated is the presence in the 
urine of matter or pus; here again the analytical chemist must be 
consulted with a view to definite information upon which reliance 
may be placed. Beyond the ordinary possibility of inflammation 
developing suppuration, abscesses may arise in the tubes from the 
presence of stones in the kidneys, but when this latter is the cause 
suspicion may be aroused by the evidence of great pain that the 
horse will show; at the same time it is important to confirm such 
a suspicion by a watchful oversight and examination of the urine 
for evidence of the presence of stones, which, of course, can be 
only very small. For the suppuration per se, and in the absence 
of foreign substances, Hepa? sulphuris 3X may be administered 
twice daily; but should there be unmistakable evidence of the 
presence of stone, Dr. Hughes recommends Uva ursi. 

Whenever pain is very marked it will invariably be desirable to 



DIABETES. 223 

endeavor to allay this by topical applications, such as flannel 
wrung out in hot water, laid on the loins, and covered with oil 
cloth and externally a horse rug to keep up a state of warm moist- 
ure to the parts; this may be renewed whenever the pain seems 
specially marked; the feeding should be of the light, nutritious, 
easily digestible order, and the drink consist of linseed gruel and 
barley water. 

If the horse is brought down low in condition it will be desirable 
to give him China S\ ten drops, night and morning for a week; 
discontinue same for a week, giving one intermediate dose of 
Sulphur 3, and recommence the China for another week and so 
on till condition is decidedly improved. 

DIABETES. 

This malady is, without doubt, more frequently met with among 
human than veterinary patients, and one peculiar feature in con- 
nection with it is, that whereas there are two distinct manifesta- 
tions of the disease, the one that more generally appears in the 
human subject, is of rare occurrence in the horse; while that 
which is observed among equines is less frequently noted in man. 
It cannot be afiirmed that diabetes is strictly a disease of the 
urinary organs, but we have indicated it thereunder because its 
chief manifestation, so far as human observation goes, is through 
this channel. 

Diabetes is ascribed by some to dietetic causes, but our own 
opinion is that some reasons, other than these, are called for to 
account for its development. Already we have referred to the 
fact that the malady assumes two distinct forms and two names 
are accordingly employed to designate the one from the other, 
namely diabetes inellitus in which traces of the presence of sugar 
are observable and diabetes insipidus which is by no means of un- 
common occurrence among equines; to the consideration of this 
form of the malady we shall mainly confine out attention, simply 
pointing out in passing that if the specific gravity of the urine at 
any time points to a probability that sugar is present the doubt 
can soon be set at rest by submitting .samples of the water for 
several successive days to an analytical chemist, and in the event 
of the test affirming the suspicion three times out of four, it will 
be fair to assume that a case of diabetes mellitus has to be contended 



224 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY, 

with when no better remedy than Phosphoric acid ix three times 
a day can be administered; meanwhile all food that contains an 
excess of saccharine constituents should be avoided. 

Diabetes insipidus is characterized by an unusual proportion of 
watery urine; it is affirmed by some that the usual solid elements 
of the urine are not deficient, but that the watery constituents are 
so much in excess of the normal that it appears as though the 
solids were entirely wanting; the late Professor Robertson at- 
tributes the cause of ' ' insipid urine ' ' to disturbed innervation, 
while among existing influences, he considers damaged provender 
responsible for its development. The most notable case that has 
come under our immediate notice and care was that of a horse 
worked by a market gardener in conveying his produce from house 
to house during the morning half of the day; by no means heavy 
work; for a period of three months the animal had been gradually 
evincing less and less capacity for the performance of his com- 
paratively light work; he lost flesh and had a precarious appetite, 
at one time eating voraciously, at another refusing the most dainty 
diet, it had been observed that he drank very copiously and always 
appeared to be ready for the pail; the owner's observation had not, 
however, been attracted to anything peculiar in the performance 
of urination; the only feature of the case to which our special at- 
tention was drawn was that presence of an extraordinary large 
number of nematoid worms, (Ascaris megalocephala) and for the 
eradication of these. We were consulted; usual remedies were ad- 
ministered with the result that though a very large number came 
away whole with the faeces, while others came away in bits, 
portions of which had been evidently digested by the secretions of 
the large intestines, the horse was no better; indeed, the emaciation 
was more pronounced; we therefore urged our client to send the 
animal into the infirmary which he reluctantly consented to; the 
horse had only been under our immediate care a few hours before 
we discovered what was at all events partly the matter with him; 
the box in which he was placed was absolutely flooded out; we 
afterwards discovered that his temperature fluctuated to an extra- 
ordinary degree from day to day, between 99 degrees and 104 
degrees; this led us to suspect something more than diabetes; we 
at once commenced administering Phosphoric acid 0, but as the re- 
sult was not satisfactory, resorted to Scilla ix; this latter certainly 



CYSTITIS. 225 

effected a marked diminution in the amount of urine passed; but as 
the post mortem proved the horse was the subject of general con- 
sumption (tuberculosis), both lungs presenting the most remark- 
able specimens of diffuse miliary tubercle we ever saw, and all the 
internal organs were more or less affected; this, therefore, and 
not the diabetes, was the cause of death; but it is deserving of 
special attention that notwithstanding these complications, the 
remedy administered for the diabetes was able to exercise the de- 
sired effect in some degree; and it would we think, justify us in 
the conclusion that in uncomplicated diabetes iyisipidus, Scilla is a 
promising medicine The symptoms of this malady are greenish 
blue color of the visible mucous membranes; faeces constipated; 
temperature rather under than over the normal 98 . 5 degrees ; the 
skin dry, the coat harsh and staring; pulse soft and weak gen- 
erally about 50; urination excessively profuse without any color- 
ing material in it; thirst specially marked, and appetite precarious 
and changeable. In the treatment of this malady there is one 
point worthy of notice; if, as is the case sometimes, there is 
distinct evidence that the digestive organs are at fault Muriate of 
Urafiium 3X trituration is a serviceable remedy and preferable to 
others already prescribed. 

CYSTITIS. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE URINARY BLADDER. 

This in the horse is of rare occurrence as a natural disease; 
when it does arise there is as a rule some extraneous cause to 
account for it, such as the irritation which the presence of a cal- 
culus (stone) would produce; and it is worth while to make a 
special note of this fact, lest the S3'mptoms which in all cases 
differ but little, should lead anyone to attempt a cure b}" the 
internal administration of drugs when a stone was the cause of the 
difficulty; under such conditions nothing but failure and disap- 
pointment would accrue, and it would provide the enemy (allo- 
paths) with a fine opportunity to point the finger of scorn at 
Homoeopathy generally; when a stone is present in the bladder, a 
fact which is easily confirmed by manipulation of the organ per 
rectum, the only satisfactory method of treatment is removal by 

15 



226 VETERINARY HOMOEOPATHY. 

surgical operation at the hands of an expert veterinarian; this fact 
furnishes no reasonable ground for the enemy to revile, because 
the removal of a foreign body does not come within the range of 
therapeutics at all but is a mechanical operation to effect which 
the aid of surgery must be invoked; where, however, a true case 
of cystitis arises which does not result from the irritation of such 
foreign substances, then medicine will avail as successfully as in 
all other forms of disease to which therapeutics proper are applic- 
able. The S3'mptoms are in many respects marvelously like those 
of nephritis, but there are two or three special sj^mptoms which 
point distincth" to the bladder as the affected organ; and they are 
as follows: A continual paddling movement with the hind legs; 
an irritable swishing of the tail; and a more or less constant 
dribbling away of bloody urine; under these conditions we have 
found Bellado7ina 3X and Cantharis 6x administered in alterna- 
tion, a dose every three hours, afford marked and speedy relief; 
in cases of stone after removal by operative surgery Arnica 3X 
three times daily should be administered, as this serves to remove 
the general soreness of the parts and facilitates the healing pro- 
cess. 

lyike nephritis this malady may be caused by the application of 
a topical irritant such as Cantharides, under these circumstances 
a few doses of Camphor spirits on moist sugar should be admin- 
istered. 

It will be noted under the chapter headed Colic that one of the 
conditions then frequently affecting horses is an inability to pass 
water; we consider that this is due to a paral^^zed condition of the 
muscular walls of the bladder, either from colds or in consequence 
of the horse having held his water too long, under such circum- 
stances a dose oi Aconite t) every fifteen minutes, as a rule, affords 
prompt relief. 

There is further a condition affecting mares wherein an inflam- 
matory state of the organ is set up, namely, inversion of the 
bladder; the first and most important procedure is to reduce the 
crgan to its proper site, an operation calling for the experience of 
a trained veterinarian; but after the operation is completed, much 
benefit w^ll follow the internal administration of Arnica 3X for 
several days; it will help to restore tone to the organ itself, 



AZOTURIA. 227 

together with its supporting ligaments, and so faciHtate its main- 
taining the proper position in the body. 

As .we have referred to the possible presence of stone in the 
bladder so be it understood we may not infrequently meet with 
cases where gravki. accumulates in that organ and evidence of 
its presence is made known when a horse makes water on a flat 
slab of stone or some other smooth substance upon which the 
gravel can rest and discover itself after the water has dried up; 
under such circumstances it will be wise and most probably hinder 
the development of future complications to administer a dose of 
Lycopodium 6x, grains fifteen, night and morning for a week, 
meanwhile watching the effect; if the gravelly deposit still con- 
tinues, which is certainly improbable, a course of Phosphoric acid 
6x, drops ten night and morning should be tried. Inasmuch as 
gravel sometimes forms in the kidneys in particles of such size 
that they cannot pass away without causing intense pain in their 
passage through the tubes, presenting symptoms of acute colic in 
the horse, it is desirable to mention that if the indications point to 
this condition Berberis ix is the remedy; presuming that it was 
already known that a horse had passed sandy urine, and an attack 
of colicky pain supervened, characterized by short, sharp, oft- 
recurring attacks of pain, while on manipulating the loins over 
the region of the kidneys, one side evinced considerable tenderness, 
it would not be unreasonable to surmise that it was a case of renal 
colic, and the use of Berberis would be justified, although the 
malady cannot be considered as one of frequent occurrence in the 
horse, nor is it one that often presents itself in any animal; hence 
the desirability of not forming too hasty an opinion in such cases 
of pain. 

AZOTURIA. 

We have experienced some difficulty in determining to our own 
satisfaction under what head to introduce the consideration of this 
malady; inasmuch, however, as its chief manifestation is observ- 
able from the characteristic condition of the urine, and that post 
mortem the kidneys betray indications of certain morbid processes, 
it has been determined to allocate a position under the head of 
urinary diseases. It is among well-fed, highly-conditioned horses 
that this disease usually presents itself, whose work is irregular, 



2 28 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

smart active work alternating with a period of rest: the attack 
comes on with great suddenness and severity, and an animal 
which one hour was to all appearance in the very bloom of health 
is in the next a pitiably helpless object. The first indication of 
the malady is usuall}" inabilit\' to proceed by reason of muscular 
spasms affecting the loins and thighs, a loss of control over the 
movements of the hind legs; breaking out into a profuse sweat, 
and trembling all over; the posterior extremities soon become 
unable to support the weight of the body and the animal rolls 
over on its side, often struggling violently when down with a very 
obvious desire to regain the standing position; ultimately the 
horse wearies of these futile efforts and gives himself up to the 
necessity of the case and thereafter shows a firm determination to 
lie down quietly. 

Ver}' shorth' spasmodic twitchings of the large muscles of the 
loins and thighs supervene, ultimately these same muscles become 
rounded, hard and rigid, and seem to have lost all power of con- 
traction. 

It is. as a rule, necessar}' to draw off the urine with the catheter 
and then the character of the secretion is observed to be of a deep 
coffee color, somewhat more dense in consistenc}' than normal 
urine. The pulse is increased in frequence' generally to about 65 
or 70 beats per minute, while the temperature will register 102 
degrees or thereabouts; the respirations will be regulated ver}' much 
bv the state of calm or irritability the animal has exhibited when 
the attack first declared itself. In case the horse renews the strug- 
gle to get on to its legs, it is best to apply the slings and get it 
properly fixed up therein, otherwise it ma^' speedily exhaust itself. 

Mares are considered b}- some to be more frequently the sub- 
jects of this malad}' than male horses, but this is undoubtedly a 
mistake, for all our cases have been in geldings, and Professor 
Robertson's experience seems to coincide with our own m this 
respect in the main. 

There is one very troublesome complication or sequel to the 
disease within our experience that does not appear, so far as 
records go, to have fallen to the lot of other practitioners, namely, 
I,AMiNiTis, or inflammation of the sensitive laminae of the feet, 
those of the forelegs in particular, and in one case notwithstand- 
ing the most careful treatment this condition proceeded to ex- 



OCCASIONAL DISEASES OF URINARY ORGANS. 229 

tremes, the pedal bones protruding through the soles; whether 
the long period of standing in the slings was the main cause of 
this we cannot say, but under the circumstances we should, after 
this experience, be disposed to advise allowing a patient to retain 
the recumbent position if it would do so quietly, satisfying our- 
selves with moving it over from side to side once in twelve hours, 
and using an abundance of soft straw to support the bod}^, draw- 
ing off the urine with the catheter every four hours, administering 
an abundance of demulcent drink such as linseed gruel and barle}' 
water to wash out the urinary tubes and the bladder. 

The medicine we. should first rely upon would be Causticum ix, 
repeating the usual dose every three hours during the daytime, 
and if this only succeeds in restoring the urine to its natural color 
and consistence, the muscular rigidity will soon relax and a good 
cure may be anticipated; but as a rule these are by no means 
promising cases. The faeces generally show a tendency to con- 
stipation, but should there be any disposition to diarrhoea com- 
bined with a high specific gravity of the urine Senna will be 
found an efficacious remedy; we have tested both these agents at 
one time or another and each in turn has seemed to render satis- 
factory results. Friction with Arnica liniment over the rigid 
muscles will sometimes afford ease to the patient; at all times the 
body should be kept warm with clothing to induce gentle exhala- 
tion through the skin, and the food must be light so as to avoid 
the risk attendant at such times upon overloading the digestive 
organs. 

OCCASIONAL DISEASES OF URINARY ORGANS. 

There are several forms of disease which assume more of the 
surgical aspect than the therapeutical, at all events in ordinar}^ 
practice, and their introduction here is more to prove that they are 
not overlooked than in the hope that much advantage will accrue 
upon their consideration; still as cases of extreme urgency may 
arise it is deemed better in the interest of the reader to lightly 
touch upon them with a view to amelioration of suffering should 
they arise under such circumstances. Those morbid conditions 
which it is proposed to refer to will be found only in the male and 
the first is inflammation of the urethra; this is the channel 



230 VKTKRINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

which conveys the urine through the penis from the bladder and 
also the semen from the testicles in the act of copulation. 

Inflammation of the urethra may be of the simple, benign form, 
or, as in the human subject, it may also assume the contagious 
character of a GONORRHcKA, the latter, however, is very rare in 
the stallion ; still there has been sufficient evidence forthcoming to 
warrant the assertion that it may exist; the symptoms are those 
common to this form of disease; matter forms and exudes at the 
end of the penis; and if the sheath of the penis is full and well 
developed an accumulation of the discharge will be found in that 
part of the organ, irritating the surrounding parts and producing 
considerable swelling thereof; the animal experiences distinct pain 
and difficulty in passing water and evinces a frequent desire to 
perform the act. 

The treatment is simple and effective; whether the discharge is 
benign or contagious it is similar; the parts should be carefully 
washed with warm water medicated with a small quantity of 
Condy's fluid; and Mercurius corrosivus 2x, grains three to a dose, 
dissolved in a wineglassful of water, administered internally three 
times a day. 

Phimosis is a condition, affecting geldings generally, in which 
the penis cannot be drawn out in consequence of the undue con- 
traction of the sheath; it is said to be caused by external violence, 
and it may also arise after castration, or when the sheath has 
become excessively swollen during an illness and for lack of suffi- 
cient exercise; in attempting treatment much depends upon the 
cause; probably the best thing to do in a case of emergency would 
be to apply frequent fomentations of hot water together with 
hand friction and the rubbing into the parts oi Arnica lotion 1-6; 
but if at all available the services of a qualified veterinary surgeon 
should be called into requisition. 

Paraphimosis is the antithesis of the former, in this case the 
penis is protruded beyond the sheath and cannot be withdrawn; 
the organ or that part of it which is so unnaturally exposed be- 
comes immensely swollen; inflammation is speedily set up and 
the pain is evidently extreme; in consequence of the swollen con- 
dition of the penis, the sheath becomes tightly constricted, the 
circulation is interfered with, and the exposed portion becomes 
cold. If the condition is due to a paralysis of the organ, the pros- 



OCCASIONAI. DISEASES OF URINARY ORGANS. 23 1 

pect of restoring its pristine vigor is by no means promising, but 
the first thing to be done is to relax the constricted state of the 
sheath, and this in the majority of instances calls for operative 
surgery; if this is not available an effort must be made to reduce 
the engorgment with hot fomentations and friction; at the same 
time the penis should be supported with a broad piece of calico 
fastened round the body in such a manner as to comfortably sus- 
pend the injured organ therein, and if the constricted sheath be- 
comes still tighter, relief may be afforded by effecting three or 
four incisions about half an inch deep with a sharp pair of scissors J 
this will have the effect of relieving the excessive turgescence of 
the parts, free haemorrhage for a short time will probably conduce 
to the desired result; but should this continue too long then a 
stream of cold water should be allowed to play upon the parts 
until the bleeding stops; when the swelling subsides the exposed 
part of the penis should be well lubricated with carbolized sweet 
oil and an attempt made to return the organ within the sheath; 
the incisions made into that part should be carefully brought to- 
gether and retained in position with a silken suture and thereafter 
a lotion 1-6 of Calendula applied two or three times a day until 
the healing is complete; if, however, a veterinary surgeon can by 
any means be secured it is distinctl}^ advisable to incur any 
reasonable trouble to obtain his services under such circumstances, 
for the case may prove so hopeless as to necessitate the amputa- 
tion of a portion of the penis, to determine which a professional 
opinion would be absolutely called for. 

Orchitis or inflammation of the testicles is a disease little 
likely to affect a horse unless it be due to injury during an attempt 
at copulation ; there is nevertheless the bare possibility of its ex- 
istence from cold or undue exposure after being accustomed to 
warm surroundings; under such circumstances the swelling of the 
parts, which would also be very tender, would be attended by 
constitutional and febrile symptoms; the temperature would be 
exalted and the pulse more than usually rapid; the animal would 
be off his feed and generally give expression to feelings of malaise; 
under these circumstances a few preliminary doses of Aconite 3X 
should be followed by Pulsatilla ix three times a day. If the 
horse has suffered from a blow and the testicles are contused 
thereby, the parts will require frequent fomenting with hot 



232 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

water medicated with a few drops of Arnica 6^ and Arnica 3X 
should be internally administered three or four times daily. 

Satyriasis.— We use this term to convey the idea of excessive 
sexual excitement in the stallion; several cases have come under 
our notice of valuable thoroughbred horses which seemed to have 
developed a habit of self-abuse by continuously whacking the 
penis up against the abdomen until the excitement of the proceed- 
ing caused an emission of semen; unfortunately we were not pro- 
fessionally consulted in either of the instances referred to, and 
consequently cannot speak practically as to a cure; we see no 
reason however to doubt the possibility of such an occurrence, 
had the opportunity been placed at disposal and among the reme- 
dies that promise success under such conditions are Phosphorus^ 
Nux vomica and Platina. 

Impotence in the stallion we believe to be exceedingly rare, 
but that it may and does occasionally arise especially in the case 
of horses whose services are in great public demand there is no 
doubt, but our firm belief is that in the majority of cases where a 
mare proves barren the fault is on her side and not the horse's. 

First, then, impotence may be due to an excessive demand upon 
the sexual functions. Under such circumstances it is of the first im- 
portance that the stallion should enjoy absolute rest for some 
months, during which time Phosphoric acid should be given 
twice a day and food rich in phosphates provided. 

Second, the demand on the sexual powers of the horse may 
have been sufficient to produce atrophy or wasting of the testicles; 
this condition is still more serious; for such a state of affairs 
Conium and Baryta carbonica are recommended, but we cannot 
speak from experience as to the value of these remedies. 



PARTURITION. 



BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER THE ACT. 

But for the fact that there are included in the Homoeopathic 
Pharmacopoeia so many drugs which are entirely ignored or un- 
acknowledged by the allopathist, whose special function seems to 
be to afford aid to the female during the periods of gestation and 
parturition (bearing and delivery), it would be absolutely useless 
to attempt to compress into the pages of this book anything re- 
garding this unusually wide subject that would be likely to be of 
the slightest use. Dr. Fleming in his text book on " Veteriiiary 
Obstetrics''' has filled up over 750 pages, and Dr. Guernsey in 
his valuable book on Human Obstetrics occupies close on 1000 
pages in dealing with this all-important subject; it ma}^, there- 
fore, be asked what useful purpose can be served by attempting 
to present to laymen a few scattered thoughts, when the proper 
consideration of the subject by these two learned practitioners has 
occupied so much space. Well, our reply to such a critic, if such 
a one there be, is that a few crumbs to the standing are better 
than no food, and the few suggestions on this vitally important 
topic which can be compressed herein will, it is hoped, prove 
better than allowing breeders of horses to find nothing in this 
work regarding the subject which affects them from a financial 
standpoint in so marked a manner. Had we nothing more byway 
of assistance at so critical a juncture than the allopathist can offer, 
we would feign let the subject pass, but as we can make sugges- 
tions for the comfort and safety of the ' ' iii-foal mare ' ' before 
time of delivery, and further, can assist nature during the act of 
delivery, and, further still, help to restore nature to her normal 
equilibrium after the same has been upset d:iring the period of 
^' foal birth'' there is good reason to believe that we are war- 
ranted in the endeavor to place before those who are otherwise 
helpless a few leading suggestions for their adoption, and if the 

233 



234 VETERIXARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

experience of the past stands for an3'thing, these suggestions will 
be found worth}^ of careful consideration. 

It is well known to all practical breeders that in the mare, as 
in all other animals, but probablj^ in the mare more than any 
other, the foetus during its development and growth in the uterus 
(womb) assumes all sorts of positions, some of which are normal 
and favorable to spontaneous and unaided birth, and many others 
which are abnormal and decidedly unfavorable to birth without 
the intervention of the surgeon; these positions are described as 
''presentations''' according as the head, fore feet, hind feet, 
croup, etc. , first presents itself to the hand of the exploring sur- 
geon; the variety of these presentations is very numerous, and 
while the tissues of the womb, and the canal through which the 
foetus has to pass during the act of being born, are extremely 
mobile and elastic, so much so that foetuses in all sorts of abnor- 
mal positions have been brought into the world with more or less 
surgical force, there is a limit to the extent to which the parts 
will relax and for the good both of the mother and her offspring, 
it is of the first importance that this — under the most favorable 
circumstances — painful fulfillment of nature's demands should be 
carried out under the most favorable conditions, and although the 
allopathist, the orthodox practitioner as he delights to call him- 
self, has not, with all his vaunted boasting, discovered anything 
to alleviate nature's pain at this critical period save the anaesthetic 
Chloroform, the much maligned homoeopathist has found out that 
Pulsatilla is an agent in drug form capable not onl}' of preparing 
the womb for the fulfillment of its natural functions under favor- 
able and comparativeh' easy conditions, but that this valuable 
plant is capable of so influencing the maternal organs that in the 
event of a false or complicated presentation the foetus will, 
under its influence, right itself sufiiciently to be born without ex- 
traneous or surgical aid, and that without producing a permanent 
displacement of the womb which, in some instances, is the result 
of the rough usage and the violent methods resorted to when diffi- 
cult presentations occur. It may not be generally known to 
breeders, but it is a point they ought to be made aware of and to 
which thej^ should give serious consideration, that operative ob- 
stetric surgery of the very crude and rough description to which so 
many mares are subjected, is responsible in quite a considerable 



PARTURITION. 235 

number of cases for permanent dispi<acement of the womb, and 
the subsequent barrenness of valuable brood mares; the fact that 
so many mares miss being in foal after a satisfactory service, is too 
frequently attributed to the sterility or incapacity of the stallion, 
while the really responsible cause is that the womb of the mare 
through the violent measures adopted at her previous parturition 
(delivery) is displaced, and the os (or mouth) of the womb 
instead of being in a direct line with the genital canal is drawn on 
one side or the other so that the semen, when discharged in the 
act of copulation, cannot enter the womb but ultimately finds its 
way on to the floor of the canal, thereafter to be washed away on 
the first act of urination; and, of course, the mare proves not to 
be in foal and is a bitter disappointment to her owner; to render 
the act of parturition a normal and spontaneous one is of the first 
consequence to the breeder of horses, and to dispense with mechani- 
cal interference, especiall}'' the rough and tumble sort of work so 
often attempted by ignornant quacks and inexperienced, though 
well-intentioned stablemen, is no less important; the author does 
not wish it to be understood that obstetric surgery can always be 
dispensed with; there must of necessity be cases in which the 
presentations are so complicated and peculiar, either b}^ reason of 
the distorted shape of the foetus or its excessive size, that nothing 
short of mechanical aid will effect delivery; but these cases should 
and might be much more rare than they are, and when mechani- 
cal aid is absolutely required it should be entrusted only to a 
skillful and experienced obstetric veterinary surgeon; indeed, we 
go so far as to state that an unqualified man who attempts to 
deliver a parturient animal should be amenable to the law for 
cruelty, as in so many cases is the attempt made by those who 
are absolutely ignorant of the anatomy of the animal. 

By way of preparation for a safe and comparatively easy deliv- 
ery the owner should see to it that the in-foal mare has ten drops 
of tincture of Pulsatilla ix in a wineglass of water night and 
morning regularly for a month before the date she is due to foal 
on; and this should be given half an hour before both feeding and 
watering. 

Space will not permit of dealing with the science of breeding 
nor of doing anything beyond offering a few suggestions as to 
treatment in cases of emergency; therefore it must be assumed 



2^6 VETERIXARY HOMCEOPATHY. 



■o 



that the owner has made satisfactor}* and suitable provision for 
the comfort, general well-being and health of the mare, and that 
the due date of foaling has arrived: under the influence of Pulsa- 
tilla administered as hereinbefore explained, the mare will prob- 
ably experience a spontaneous and normal delivery; but there 
may arise dif&culties, which are amenable to the influence of 
drugs and which drugs will obviate without mechanical interfer- 
ence, concerning which some helpful suggestions may be offered. 
A contracted, hard, rigid condition of the os uteri (mouth of the 
womb) arises, and this quite independent of cancerous grov/ths, 
termed cauliflower excrescences, which are sometimes the cause 
of this rigid condition ; when this is the case it can of course only 
be positively recognized by manual exploration which should be 
carefully and gently attempted when delivery is delayed or the 
mare has made many ineffectual efforts to discharge the fcetus; 
before making the examination the person who undertakes the 
responsibility must strip off his clothes even to the shirt, wash his 
hands and arms carefully with warm water, and then dress the 
arm that he is going to use in the examination with carbolized oil; 
this serves to facilitate the easy introduction of the arm into the 
vaginal canal and to prevent septic infection: if the os is found to 
be closed and ver\- hard try the administration of tincture of 
Caidophyllum ten drops every hour for three doses, after which 
at the expiration of twelve hours from the first dose if the os is 
not dilated and the delivery effected professional aid should be 
obtained, but as a rule this drug removes the functional disturb- 
ance which caused the rigidity, the os relaxes and dilates and 
labor proceeds to a satisfactory termination. Another cause 
which sometimes accounts for delay in delivery is due to lack of 
nerve power in the walls of the womb, resulting in vers' spasmodic 
and irregular contraction in which case, if the mare seems to ex- 
perience very violent pains while they last, and she gets irritable 
and probably neighs spitefulh' Chamomilla 3X, ten drops to a dose 
every hour will be most suitable. In cases where no progress 
seems to be made and the mare bursts out into cold sweats especi- 
ally about the neck and shoulders and ever}' pain appears to 
exhaust her more and more Veratnon albiivi 3X in the usual dose 
to be given every half hour until the cold sweats cease. 

When the pulse is ver^' weak, the body externally cold to the 



SOME ACCIDENTS INCIDENTAL TO PARTURITION. 237 

touch and dry, the mare extremely restless though apparently 
experiencing no real labor pains, give Camphor 3-0 every quarter 
of an hour, this will probably revive the natural heat and bring 
on the proper labor pains. 

Should the vaginal canal be very dry and devoid of the natural 
lubricating fluids, and these parts with the os uteri are unbearabl}^ 
tender to pressure, the mare at the same time evincing great rest- 
lessness, groaning to herself in a sort of undertone, lying down 
with great care but almost immediately getting up again, tincture 
oi Aconite ix ten drops every half hour until more calm and the 
fluids of the vaginal canal begin to exude. 

Again this dryness and tenderness of the vagina and os uteri 
may be present and the mare show signs of violence and knocking 
herself about when the labor pains come on; the whites of the 
eyes and the membrane lining the nose and mouth of a bright 
Vermillion color; the pains come on very quickly, last but a short 
time and pass off as quickly; indeed there is every indication of 
the general system being as it were in a tumult, then give Bella- 
donna 3x once an hour until the excitement has calmed down. . 

SOME ACCIDENTS INCIDENTAI. TO PARTURITION, 

RETENTION OF THE FCETAL MEMBRANES 

OR AFTER-BIRTH. 

This is by no means an infrequent condition and calls for 
prompt treatment, as the consequences may and indeed do fre- 
quently prove serious and sometimes fatal; particularly is this the 
case when the retained membranes commence to decompose; as a 
rule there is not much difficulty in determining whether the after- 
birth has come away because when retained either a portion of the 
umbilical cord or a mass of the membranes generally protrude 
from the vulva and hang down sometimes as low the hocks; in 
cases, however, where the membranes are enclosed in the womb 
other indications have to be relied upon to determine their 
presence; among these are the following: The mare will rest full 
upon her belly with knees and hocks well under, occasionally 
straining, when the lips of the vulva will open and ver}' frequently 
the mouth of the womb will be observed nearing the orifice each 
time she strains; at other times the mare will stand up and stamp 
first one foot and then the other at the same time angrily whisk- 



238 VKTKRINARY HOMOEOPATHY. 

ing her tail, when all of a sudden she will posture herself as 
though about to micturate. If decomposition has set up, a dark- 
colored, sometimes bloody fluid discharge will continuously ooze 
away from the vagina, the stench from which is simply abominable; 
the discharge will at times come away in rushes accompanied by 
small broken up pieces of membrane when the mare strains in 
the standing position or passes water or dung; the period during 
which the after-birth may be retained varies considerably, we have 
known it go as long as nine days and then be spontaneously 
voided, but this is an undesirably long period. As a rule the 
membranes are voided spontaneously, but cases do occur where 
they have to be removed artificially; under homoeopathic treat- 
ment this, however, is extremely seldom. Breeders of horses 
should be aware that while in cows retention of after-birth is rarely 
of much consequence, in the mare it is of first importance to be 
well assured that the membranes are expelled. 

When a mare has been regularly having Pulsatilla as hereinbe- 
fore directed, it is a rare thing to find that the after-birth is re- 
tained; if, however, she should not have previously been taking 
this remedy, then Pulsatilla 3X, ten drops every four hours, will 
generally do the trick; if the mare has been under the preliminary 
Pulsatilla treatment and retains the placental membranes, then 
twenty-four hours after the birth of the foal commence giving 
Secale cornutum 3X, a dose every four hours; this remedy is 
specially useful after protracted labor, and when the discharged 
blood is of a dark color and smells badly. 

POST-PARTUM HEMORRHAGE, OR FLOODING AFTER 
BIRTH OF FOAIv OR ABORTION 

Is, in our experience, a very exceptional occurrence; still should 
it take place in a valuable brood blood mare — probably the most 
likely sort of animal in the world to be the subject of such a cas- 
ualty — it is necessary to be armed with means for arresting a con- 
dition which must otherwise prove exceedingly debilitating to the 
general constitution if not absolutely fatal; flooding may com- 
mence either before or after the delivery of the after-birth. 

The following remedies, with their indications, may be relied 
upon under the conditions specified: 

Aconite 3X. — Mares of excitable, restless temperament, in high 



POST-PARTUM H^MORRHAGK. 239 

condition, with a profuse flow of ordinary- colored blood; frequently 
lying down and getting up, and when on their legs totter up 
against the side of the stall or box, as though giddy. 

Belladonna 3X. — Extremely excitable, amounting to irritability, 
pulsation of the carotid arteries distinctly perceptible to the touch; 
a wild, bounding pulse; the discharge of the blood is very profuse 
and the color extremely bright, and very unusually hot to the 
feel; the whites of the eyes will be streaked with bright-red lines, 
and the pupils distinctly dilated; the mare strains, and in so doing 
presses out the walls of the vagina, which appear also of a bright- 
red color. 

Crocus 2x. — Very useful when the blood is of a dark color and 
comes away in long strings or stringy clots. 

Hamamelis 6 when the flow of dark-colored venous blood is 
slow and constant. 

Ipecacuanha^ 3x trituration, 10 grains to a dose. The flow of 
bright-red blood is full and constant; this may be attended with an 
effort to vomit, although it is a recognized fact that horses rarely do 
vomit, and when they do, the ejecta pass through the nostrils and 
not the mouth, in consequence of a veil of mucous membrane 
which lies at the back of the mouth and at the entry to the cavity 
known as the pharynx. Nevertheless, cases have been known of 
horses vomiting, and hence the symptom, if present, should be 
noted, as it is an important indication for the selection of this drug 
in conjunction with the other symptoms specified. 

Sabina 2x is a very important remedy in cases of haemorrhage 
after delivery; its indications are blood dark in color; comes away 
in black clots, which float in a thin, watery-sort-of-colored fluid; 
the discharge is not constant and regular, but it comes away in 
spurts as the mare strains when the after-pains come on. 

Secale cornutum 2x. — Blood of a dark color and smells badly; 
the flow is constant but slow; mare apparently very weak, and 
takes little or no notice of what is going on around her; the bleed- 
ing is accompanied by very frequent after-pains, but these do not 
appear to affect the flow in any marked degree; the mare's exter- 
nal body temperature is low, and the expression of the counte- 
nance gives the impression that she is in constant pain. 

Among the accidents which occasionally result from parturition 
are inversion (or turning inside out) of the womb and the 



240 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

vagina; these do not occur so frequently in the mare as in the 
cow, but sufl&cientl}' often to necessitate passing reference here; in- 
version of the bladder occasionally occurs at these times, and 
sometimes before parturition, and in the mare more often proba- 
bl}' than any other of the domestic animals; it is therefore most 
desirable to be on guard at such times not to mistake one organ 
for another; in such cases as these it is of the first importance to 
secure the services of a trained veterinarian, as without doubt 
surgical methods take the first place here, and the administration 
of drugs can onh^ be secondar}^ thereto; the first step is to effect 
reposition of the organ and then to take the necessar}^ measures 
for keeping it in situ; this being satisfactority effected the most 
useful remed}' that can be selected to assist in rendering the 
surgical operation a complete success is tincture of Amiica 3X, a 
dose every hour for some time; should this not afford the neces- 
sar}^ relief so far as the constitutional s3'mptoms are concerned, 
one of the remedies referred to under the headings Retention oj 
After-birth and Flooding may be tried according to the special 
S3^mptoms indicated thereunder, 

DISEASED CONDITIONS INCIDENTAL TO 
PARTURITION. 

Some of the diseases incidental to foal-bearing in the mare have 
such a distinct bearing and influence upon the production of those 
tw^o bugbears of the horse breeder, abortion and barrenness, 
that, if for no other reason, it is most important to refer to them 
as fully as possible in order to show how such evil and peculiarly 
disastrous consequences ma}- be avoided or at least materially 
lessened; the period of gestation in the mare is so long and the 
accidents incidental to pregnancy so numerous that as a matter of 
profit and loss, it becomes the horse breeder to exercise every 
available precaution so as to minimize the risks he has to contend 
with in this important branch of business; and especially does it 
behoove the breeders of high-class horses to do this, inasmuch as 
the better bred the animal is the more likely is she to fall a victim. 



VAGINITIS. 241 

VAGINITIS, INFI^AMMATION OF THE LINING MEM- 
BRANE OF THE VAGINA. 

This form of inflammation may exist independently of the 
adjacent parts, but in the mare it is one of rare occurrence; and 
even assuming that for any period it has affected that part of the 
genital canal only, it speedily extends to the OS of the womb and 
the internal lining membrane of that organ ; when the origin of 
the inflammation is the vagina it usually arises as the result of 
protracted labor or the irritation set up by the use of instruments 
and ropes in effecting delivery mechanically; the more general 
seat of origin of this inflammatory condition is the womb when 
endo -metritis or inflammation of the lining membrane of the womb 
is present and extends therefrom to the vagina: a still more serious 
condition is that of metritis which includes an inflammation of the 
tissues of the walls of the womb as well as the lining membrane; 
this latter condition will be considered specially further on, as its 
consequences may be immediately serious; the more simple forms 
of inflammation, vaginitis and endo -metritis , are in themselves 
important and deserve notice, as their existence usually results in 
the production of a discharge commonly called leiicorrhcea, which 
in its early stages is a secretion composed of mucus, and if this is 
not arrested by suitable remedial measures, both constitutional 
and topical, it rapidly assumes a graver character by the addition 
therewith of blood and pus. The consequences of this condition 
are serious to the breeder as to them may be traced the fact that 
so many mares prove barren, the secretion being of an acrid char- 
acter destroys the active elements (spermatozoa) of the semen of 
the horse; this disease when originating in the Jiterits may be due 
to the same causes as those enumerated under simple vagi7iitis or 
to abortion or miscarriage; moreover if pregnancy is effected, 
notwithstanding the presence of this leiicorrhcea, it may also result 
in abortion; it will therefore be quite clear that it is very import- 
ant, especially in the case of valuable mares kept solely for breed- 
ing, to watch for the presence of this discharge before the time of 
CESTRUM (coming into use), otherwise it may be easily overlooked. 

The first thing to observe in treatment is cleanliness, and the 
best method of ensuring this is to freely wash out the canal and 
womb with a tepid solution of Corrosive sublimate consisting of 

16 



242 VKTKRINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

one part of the drug to one thousand of water; this can best be 
effected by using a large syringe with a long wooden nozzle; the 
injection should be continued until the solution returns per vulvam 
quite clear and free from any secretion; after that a lotion of 
Hydrastis 0, one part to six of tepid water should be injected well 
into the womb and after quickly withdrawing the syringe hold 
the lips of the vulva firmly together in order to retain the lotion 
upon the parts for some two or three minutes; if after the first ap- 
plication the secretion is decidedly less the Corrosive sublimate 
solution washing need not be repeated, otherwise it should be; 
but the injection of the Hydrastis lotion must be repeated night 
and morning till a cure is effected; the internal administration 
night and morning of Hydrastis 0, ten drops in a wineglass of 
water to a dose will much facilitate the cure. 

METRITIS, INFLAMMATION OF THE WOMB. 

This disease is sometimes described as parturient fever; when 
it occurs as a sequel to the birth of a foal it may very easily result 
in blood poisoning, if the surroundings of the box or stable are of 
an unsanitary character or if the dung pit is in close proximity; 
and in cases of protracted labor or when the uterus has been 
wounded by the careless use of instruments in effecting delivery, 
the septic infection gains entrance to the blood through this 
wound or abrasion. True 7netritis may be recognized by the ex- 
alted body temperature, it rapidly runs up to 105 degrees or even 
higher, and by the increased frequency of the pulse; from ninety 
to one hundred beats per minute being by no means infrequently 
observed, the respirations being proportinately increased in 
number. The mare will give distinct evidence of acute pain by 
turning her head first to one side and then the other in the region 
where the uterus is situated, and if the abdomen thereabouts is 
manipulated and also the loins she will generally flinch as though 
the parts were very tender; she will lie down and rise again 
quickly and give e\ddence of great restlessness, hence the condi- 
tion must not be mistaken for one of simple colic; as the inflam- 
mation increases the mare will continue standing presumably be- 
cause the act of lying down hurts her, the organ having become 
increasingly tender ; considerable difficulty is generally experienced 
in evacuatiut'- the bladder and rectum. 



METRITIS. 243 

Aconite 3X. — It is generally safe to give this remed}' in the first 
instance, especially when the pulse is hard, full and rapid, the 
temperature ver}^ high, skin hot and dry, abdomen very tender to 
the touch and accompanied by marked restlessness. 

Belladonna 3X. — Straining and pressure of the vagina outwards; 
the mucous membrane of the vagina very bright red; the urine 
flows involuntarily; mare is very violent, and the membranes of 
the nose and eyes are a bright red; mare will press the forehead 
against the wall as though suffering from headache; throbbing of 
carotid arteries. 

Nux vomica 3X. — This remed}^ is useful when there are fre- 
quent but ineffectual attempts at passing water or dung, or both; 
constipation. 

Lachesis 30. — In cases of blood poisoning indicated by shiver- 
ing; alternate heat and cold of body outwardly; suppression of 
urine and stool; stinking bloody discharge from the vagina; great 
uneasiness; the visible mucous membranes assume a dark hue and 
the temperature rises higher until the crisis, at which period if the 
change is not favorable, the temperature will drop down gradually 
until it is below the normal standard of 98.5 degrees, under which 
circumstances the termination is likely to be unfavorable. 

In cases where convalescence is not established and the malad}' 
passes into the chronic form, which is by no means a rare occur- 
rence, the discharge from the womb will continue and assume a 
putrid, stinking character; swellings and ulcers will appear on 
the external part of the vulva; relapses will take place and show 
themselves by alternate fits of heet and shivering cold; the appe- 
tite becomes irregular; the coat stares and the skin clings to the 
body, and will become covered with red spots and various erup- 
tions; colicky pains and constipation will recur; the secretion of 
milk is entirely discontinued; for such conditions Secale cornutum 
3x is the best remedy. Should this not complete the cure Sulphur 
6x trituration, twenty grains dry on the tongue, morning aiid 
night for three days will often serve to arouse the system and 
render the action of the medicine that has previously been admin- 
istered more effectual and so complete the cure. 

Breeders of valuable horses, whether blood stock, trotters or 
cart hor.ses cannot give too much attention to their brood inaresat 
foaling time with a view to save them from the risk of any sort of 



244 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

infection; for parturition certainly predisposes to this, in conse- 
quence of the favorable condition of the parts, both genital canal 
and uterus, to come under the influence of septic (poisonous) 
material; and for this reason the most stringent measures should 
be adopted to ensure perfect cleanHness both in and around the 
box in which the mare foals; and further, it is a wise precaution 
to keep other in-foal mares, whose time for delivery is near at 
hand as far away from the mare that has just foaled as circum- 
stances will permit, and that for a sufficient time to be satisfied 
that the mare has cleansed and is going on satisfactorily; and 
under no conditions should a man who has assisted in removing a 
decomposing cleansing be allowed to go near an in-foal mare 
until he has had a thorough good bath and disinfected his outer 
clothing; disregard of these precautions is only too often the 
chief factor in bringing about abortion or slipping foal; neither 
should any recently foaled mare be allowed to go into a pasture 
with other in-foal mares; all the litter in the box wherein the 
mare foaled should be burnt; and if the mare has been the subject 
of any of the foregoing maladies, the floor of the box should be 
thoroughl}^ disinfected with quicklime before allowing another 
mare to occupy it. 

MAMMITIS, INFLAMMATION OF THE UDDER. 

Although this is a form of disease that rarely attacks the mare, 
no work on medicine would be complete without reference to it; 
moreover it is necessary for the horse breeder to be on his guard 
against any disorganization of this gland lest the milk should be 
altered in character or the secretion suppressed or only diminished > 
the consequence of which would fall on the sucking foal. 

In the mare the gland is divided into two partitions thus differ- 
ing from the cow, whose udder has four divisions In the mare 
the whole gland is generally affected, while in the cow only one 
quarter is, as a rule, the seat of inflammation in the first instance 
or at one time. 

Symptoms. — The gland is swollen, hard and shiny; the swell- 
ing extends along the abdomen, on the inside of the thighs and 
down the legs; the large veins on the under surface of the abdo- 
men are distended and full; if the teats are squeezed a thick fluid 
mixed with blood is discharged; or if there is no blood the milk 



MAMMITIS. 245 

comes away in clots or flakes; febrile symptoms are present as 
indicated by the exalted temperature, the rapid full pulse, and the 
quickened breathing; constipation frequently persists, and the 
urine is high-colored and lessened in quantity; if pressure is 
brought to bear on the loins the mare evinces pain and stiffness, 
sometimes to the extent of lameness of one hind leg on the side the 
udder is most affected; where timely treatment is not resorted to 
the mare may lose the use of the udder through the organ becom- 
ing hardened and wasted. 

Treatment. — Aconite 3X when the inflammation is set up by a 
chill and high fever is present together with restless anxiety and 
great thirst. 

Belladonna 3X when the bladder is very swollen and heavy, 
and the veins and arteries stand out prominently. 

Phytolacca ix. — This is as a rule the best remedy for this disease 
and in conjunction with Belladon7ia effects a satisfactory cure even 
when suppuration is established; it is specially indicated when 
the udder is very hard and the beats are painful and sensitive to 
manipulation. 

Bryonia 2x when the parts are stony hard and lumpy; ex- 
tremely hot, excessively painful and sensitive; great thirst and 
constipation the faeces being dry and burnt looking; moving seems 
to aggravate the pain. 

Silicea 6x ten grains dry on tongue, night and morning, when 
suppuration is very advanced, and the udder discharges matter 
from broken ulcers. 

As a rule properly selected remedies reduce the inflammation 
and avert suppuration, but in severe cases these internal remedial 
measures should be supplemented by 

Local appi^ications such as fomentations with hot water and 
poultices; with the latter a few drops of the mother tincture of the 
remedy which is being internally administered may usefully be 
applied; the poultice should consist of some soft agent like linseed 
meal or marshmallow; or, better still, " spent " hops; if difficulty 
is experienced in applying and keeping in place such a poultice 
then the udder should be well rubbed with a cerate or ointment 
medicated with the remedy which is being internally administered ; 
if, however, suppuration is established nothing short of a poultice 
will be of any use, and this must be continued until the abscess is 



246 VETERNARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

discharged, after which the orifice should be gently plugged with 
cotton wool dressed over with Iodoform and repeated during the 
healing process so long as it will remain in place; this is to serve 
as a preventive against septic infection and blood poisoning. 

SORE TEATS. 

It may happen, especially in mares with a first foal, that the 
teats are very sore fiom cracks and fissures in their substance; and 
on some occasions they become so tender and sore that the mare 
not only absolutely refuses to allow the foal to suck, but when 
the latter is persistent in its efforts to obtain its nutriment, may 
go so far as to kick and perhaps permanently injure it; under 
such circumstances the teats require attention; the cracks may be 
brought on by cold or by the strong pulling of the foal in the act 
of sucking. 

Treatment. — Thoroughly cleanse the teats with warm water; 
dress them with a lotion made up according to the following 
formula: Calendula one part, Glycerine two parts and water 
three parts. If possible the foal should not be allowed to suck 
for two or three days, w^hich of course necessitates hand feeding 
with cows milk the while, and the use of the teat syphon to empty 
the glands must be resorted to; this little sj^phon must be obtained 
of a size to suit the mares teats; before introducing same the 
instrument should be dressed with carbolized oil; then holdino- 
the teat with one hand it should be gradually passed into the 
milk duct without any force and allowed to remain till the contents 
of the gland have drained off; this process together with the 
cleansing and the dressing should be repeated three times in 
tw^enty-four hours at least. The internal administration of tritura- 
tion of Graphites 6x, grains five to a dose, night and morning, 
will facilitate the cure. 

THE FOAL. 

It is impossible to lay down any general rule for the treatment 
of foals, but as these are frequently the subject of some infantile 
disorders, the work would not be anything like complete that did 
not refer to same; for instance, before the foetus is absolutely sep- 
arated from the mother by severance of the umbilical cord, the 
same being born in the foetal membranes, it is quite evident it 



THE FOAL. 247 

must be released therefrom or it will be sufFocated; if the cord is 
not properly ruptured it should be ligatured, (tied) with string or 
catgut in two places; the one about two inches from the body of 
the foal, and the other one inch from that again, and severed be- 
tween the two; the membranes should be ruptured and carefully 
removed thereafter, leaving the mare to cleanse the body by lick- 
ing; but if she shows any disinclination for this, sprinkle the body 
of the foal with a small quantity of salt or oatmeal in order to ex- 
cite the attention of the dam and induce her to fulfill her maternal 
duties; it is desirable, also, to examine carefully the natural open- 
ings of .the foal, such as the anus, mouth, vulva, etc., and if these 
do not exist, produce artificial ones by puncturing the parts with 
a sharp knife and keeping the orifice open by plugging same with 
medicated wool to prevent union of the parts. If the foal when 
born does not appear to have any life or animation, it is probable 
the act of breathing has not been properly established, but to 
induce this .several experiments may be tried; for instance, some 
cold water poured on the top of the head; rubbing the limbs, with 
considerable friction; tickling the nostrils with a feather; remove 
the mucus from the mouth with a damp sponge, after which an 
attempt may be made to artificially inflate the lungs with air by 
means of a pair of bellows carefully passed up one nostril while 
the other is closed by pressure over the side of the nose. Should 
the mare refuse to cleanse the foal, it should be carefully washed 
with a warm sponge, dried with soft cloths, and thereafter kept 
warm, the milk of the mare being hand drawn and given to the 
foal; if by reason of temper or inexperience the foal is not allowed 
to suck, the mare must be put under restraint, and the foal be 
coaxed to utilize the teats, after which, as a rule, the foal will find 
the udder of its own accord and the mare takes kindly to it and 
fulfills her maternal functions without further compulsion. 
Within a few hours of the birth, after the foal has partaken of its 
first meal of milk, it should have an abundant evacuation of the 
material collected in the intestines during its intra-uterine period 
of existence; should this not take place, and the anal orifice benig 
quite certainly clear, then some remedial measures should be 
adopted or troublesome infantile constipation will ensue; probably 
the best remedy is a small dose of a mixture of liquid honey and 
castor oil in equal parts, in all amounting to a quarter of a pint; 



248 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

if, however, the constipation has become established other meas- 
ures must be adopted, as purgatives or even mild laxatives only 
effect the desired object for the time, the constipation thereafter 
being more firmly established than ever; for treatment under such 
conditions reference must be made to the general article on consti- 
pation and the remedy selected according to the symptoms; the 
same remarks apply to cases of diarrhoea, as upon the subjects of 
constipation and diarrhoea special chapters are written; the treat- 
ment of the allopathic school under such conditions being so dia- 
metrically opposed to that of the homoeopathic it is deemed advisa- 
ble to devote special attention to the consideration and treatment 
of these two forms of common ailment. 

After the foal is born it will sometimes exhibit signs of too 
much bleeding from the remains of the cord by which it was origi- 
nally attached to its mother; under such circumstances it is best, 
if enough of the cord remains, to tie a piece of silk firmly round 
it, being careful that none of the intestines are inclosed; should, 
however, the remnant of the cord be too short to get sufficient hold 
for a ligature, then soak apiece of cotton, wool or lint with sesqui- 
chloride of iron and apply same firmly to the parts by means of a 
bandage over the loins, or if there is difficulty in maintaining this 
in position by reason of the restlessness of the foal, then obtain a 
stick of nitrate of silver and gently dress the orifice and surround- 
ing parts with same until the bleeding is arrested. 

In some countries it is no uncommon thing for foals to have a 
rupture, which may appear at birth or soon after, at the seat of 
the navel, and if not cured at the time it may prove very trouble- 
some; this shows itself in the form of a round tumor into which 
the intestines drop, and it varies in size according to the amount 
of intestine that has descended, and how full the intestines are at 
the time; no measures need be taken for some little time beyond 
the administration of doses, night and morning, of Calcarea car- 
bonica 6x grains five to a dose; should this not answer and an 
operation prove necessary, then resort must be had to a trained 
veterinary surgeon. 

ARTHRITIS. 

The heading of this chapter is the name given to a disease that 
affects the joints of foals; it is recognized in England under the 



ARTHRITIS. 249 

term " joint ill;" we are of opinion that it is of scrofulous origin, 
and due in no small degree to improper crossing of mares with 
horses, either the sire or the dam being the subject of some dis- 
ease which interferes with their capability to reproduce healthy 
progeny; some attribute its development to improper systems of 
management or to giving the mare food deficient in those nutrient 
qualities which the requirements of the foal demand; while yet 
again it is considered that the milk of the dam is lacking in the 
proper proportion of mineral salts. Our own opinion is that each 
of these views has some bearing upon the condition known as 
arthritis, but that probably the digestive organs of the foal are 
more responsible than aught else for the disease in consequence of 
which the food is not thoroughly assimilated, and w^hile the nec- 
essary constituents may be, and probably are, present in the food 
a large proportion of these pass through the system of the foal 
without being appropriated as they should be; the principal 
tissue in the body of the foal to feel the effect of this resulting 
deficiency is the bone, and the epipheses or large ends of the 
bones of the legs, which together help to form the joints, not hav- 
ing the necessary amount of the mineral elements deposited in 
them become the seat of a disease which produces so much incon- 
venience and pain, and not infrequently results in consequences 
sufficiently important to influence the general constitution; in 
Homoeopathy we have one remedy which has proved eminently 
satisfactory in overcoming this diseased condition and also its 
various complications; moreover, if it is given in the earlier 
developmental period, the more serious complications need not be 
anticipated; the earlier symptoms are swelling and heat of the 
joints, particularly those of the fetlocks, which on manipulation 
wall be found exceptionally painful and tender to the touch and 
productive of considerable lameness; if the general constitutional 
symptoms give evidence of high fever a few doses of Aconite 3X 
ten drops may be administered with advantage, thereafter to be 
followed for some weeks by five- grain doses of Galea rea phos- 
phorica 6x night and morning, and unless the arthritis becomes 
complicated by the development of abscesses around the joints 
and among the tendons this remedy should complete the cure, but 
in the event of such complications five grains oi Silicea i2x three 
times a day must be substituted. 



250 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 



INDIGESTION. 



Among highly bred blood or trotting' stock, which are bred 
specially for sport or sale, indigestion in the foal is a malady of 
rare occurrence because the little animal is never away from the 
mare and therefore takes its food at proper intervals; but in the 
case of the cart mare, working on the farm, the absence from the 
foal during the hours of labor necessitates the retention of milk in. 
the udder until it probably becomes altered in constitution or on 
returning, the foal being ravenously hungry, engorges its stomach 
with fluid that is not now fit for it; the obvious method to be 
adopted to avoid this state of things is to allow the foal to suckle 
at more frequent intervals; indigestion may be due to the im- 
proper diet given to the mare or to the natural acidity of the 
secretions of the foal's stomach; if the former accounts for it the 
diet must be altered; if the latter, a few doses of Chamomilla 3X 
given to the ^^oungster will generally put matters right; should 
the indigestion assume the lympanitic form when swelling of the 
abdomen is a leading symptom and much wind is passed per anus, 
Carbo vegetabilis ix, gr. x, three times a day will afford relief. 

We have now touched upon the several ailments to which the 
young foal is subject with the exception of two very common dis- 
orders, the one being the antithesis of the other, namely, constipa- 
tion and diarrhoea; but these, as has been already intimated, will 
be dealt with under chapters specially devoted to these subjects; 
we therefore now revert to the mother once more and take up the 
consideration of that great curse to the breeder, 

ABORTION AND PREMATURE BIRTH. 

By the term abortio7i we desire to be understood that the foetus 
is expelled at a period anterior to that in which it could maintain 
a separate existence from its dam. Authorities on the subject are 
pretty well agreed that in the mare this period may be included 
any time before the three hundredth day of gestation, but it occurs 
more frequently during the first half of the period of pregnancy 
than the second half. Abortions occur under very varying condi- 
tions; some are due to accidents and take place in various parts of 
a country; while, yet again, quite a number of cases may arise on 
one estate, or in one township, or a large country district will be 



ABORTION AND PRKMATURK BIRTH. 25 1 

affected at one and the same time, and that without any recognized 
cause; this latter condition, however, is rarely experienced among 
studs of mares without the cause being capable of recognition, 
such as some particular description of food, as ergotism among 
rye grass, a species of rust in straw and a filthy water supply. 
Anything which is calculated to effect a sudden surprise such as 
a thunderstorm, n;ay produce abortion, while contagion from 
decomposing cleansings or the discharges from mares that have 
already aborted is considered capable of bringing on miscarriage. 
Probably the most potent cause in the production of abortio7i is a 
diseased condition of the uterus and the vagina, or it may be 
traced occasionally to debility in the stallion in consequence of the 
horse's strength being enfeebled by being called on to serve too 
many mares during a season. With regard to the symptoms of 
abortion we cannot do better than to quote from Fleming's Veter- 
inary Obstetrics, as therein they are clearly set forth, and though 
expressed in somewhat scientific terms they will probably assist 
the breeder to discover when a mare is likely to be visited with 
this mishap; it states as follows: 

' ' Generally abortion takes place without any premonitory indi- 
cations, and the animal may be as well and lively as usual up to 
the moment when the foetus is expelled; and the expulsion itself 
is so sudden, so prompt and accomplished with so little visible 
effort or disturbance that the accident in most cases receives very 
little if any notice. It often occurs during the night and wonder 
is often expressed at finding in the morning the aborted foetus, 
generally contained in its intact envelopes, lying behind an animal 
which, on the previous evening, looked perfectly well, and even 
now is so cheerful and unaltered and its functions so unimpaired, 
that it can scarcely be believed that it has been the subject of such 
a mishap. Even the sentiment of maternity, which is so strongly 
developed in animals, as Saint Cry justly remarks, is not awakened 
in favor of the expelled foetus, and the mother shows the utmost 
indifference to it as if it were in no way related to her. When 
this simple abortion has taken place during the day, it has been 
noted that the flanks fall in a little, the abdomen descends, the 
vulva and vagina slightly dilate and there escapes from them a 
glutinous, sometimes sanguinolent fluid, with which the foetus is 
passed, sometimes without effort. We have said that the ovum or 



252 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

foetus is generally expelled in its intact membranes; this more 
frequently happens at an early stage of pregnancy. Sometimes, 
however, the amnion ruptures at the commencement of the abor- 
tion and the embrj'o or foetus escapes with a small quantity of 
liquor amnii, the envelopes being rejected soon after, or in some 
instances they may be retained in the uterus, and thus constitute 
a source of danger, the animal not making any effort to get rid of 
them. This complicated abortion occurs more frequently at the 
later stages of pregnancy, and more resembles normal birth than 
simple abortion, which is more often witnessed in the first half of 
gestation. Nevertheless we have the latter happen so late some- 
times as the seventh or eighth month in the larger animals. It 
is observed more particularly in those which are debilitated from 
any cause; but at the same time animals which appear in the very 
best health are often the victims of simple abortion. So little dis- 
turbance does this kind of abortion cause that the animal can 
be treated in every way as if nothing had happened, though 
it is more judicious to give a little extra care for some 
hours at least. In what has been termed laborious^ difficult 
or complicated abortion, w^hich is often due to external causes 
such as injuries, the precursory symptoms are generally well 
marked, and vary somewhat according as the foetus may be 
dead or alive. The animal suddenly appears dull, and 
peculiarly dejected; or it is restless, uneasy and continually 
moving about; if pregnancy is advanced and the foetus is alive 
and strong, its movements are, on watching the abdomen at- 
tentively, perceived to be frequent, violent and disordered, but 
they soon become feeble and unfrequent and cease altogether when 
the foetus has succumbed. The appetite is lost, and a plaintive 
neigh in the mare ..... is emitted every now and again; the 
pulse is quick, small and hard as in haemorrhage; progression is 
difficulty and unsteady; the physiognomy is anxious and respira- 
tion hurried. When the foetus is alive there is perhaps less pros- 
tration, and with the mare there appears to be much abdominal 
pain. The animal often looks anxiously towards the flanks, paws 
with its fore feet and stamps with its hind ones, moves from side 
to side, perspires at the flank breast and elsewhere, lies down and 
gets up again, whisks the tail incessantly and exhibits every indi- 
cation of increasing restlessness. At the same time the abdomen 



ABORTION AND PREMATURE BIRTH. 253 

loses its round shape and drops; if the animal is in milk, the 
mammae become soft and diminish in size more or less rapidly, 
while the secretion diminishes; but if it is not yielding milk then 
on the contrary they become enlarged and turgid; the vulva is 
tumefied, and from it escapes a tenacious mucus, serous or sero- 
sanguinolent and if the foetus is dead more or less foetid fluid, ac- 
cording to the circumstances. Then follow S3^mptoms analogous 
to those which characterize normal parturition; the uterus begins 
to contract, and the expiratory muscles act simultaneously with it; 
the expulsive efforts or ' labor pains ' acting more or less ener- 
getically and continuously according to the suddenness of the 
abortion and the strength and health of the animal. The first re- 
sult of this straining is the evacuation of the bladder and rectum; 
the next is the dilatation of the os uteri and protrusion of the mem- 
branes into the vagina, then through the vulva where they ap- 
pear externally as the ' water bag;' this may rupture and the 
liquor amnii escape, and the pains becoming more powerful the 
foetus is at last expelled either nude or covered by the membranes. 
This act occupies a variable period, from a few to many hours, 
according to the strength of the animal, and it may even require 
human intervention to bring it to a successful termination. In 
other instances the foetus is not expelled immediately after it is 
dead, ])ut after many of the premonitory symptoms just described 
have been manifested; with the cessation of the movements in 
the foetus the animal regains its ordinary tranquility, appetite and 
liveliness, and all the symptoms disappear for one or more days 
when they again set in and the foetus may be rejected without any 
apparent effort or after much straining. ' ' 

From a study of this graphic description of the circumstances 
arising out of and connected with a possible or actually realized 
abortion it will be possible, if discovered sufficiently earh', to 
make an attempt to avert the fulfillment of the mishap involving 
such serious pecuniary loss; but before offering suggestions of a 
remedial character for the attainment of this object, we ma}^ just 
mention in passing that certain conditions of the uterus and its 
appendages may exist before pregnancy which are sufficiently 
serious to produce abortion and even to prevent conception and 
thus account for barrenness; horsemen are, as a rule, more in- 
clined to attribute barrenness to the fault of the stallion than to the 



254 VETERIXARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

mare; but as the result of inan\' 3'ears' experience during which 
time the opportunity of examining a large number of mares has 
arisen, we unhesitatingly affirm that w^ith a considerable proportion 
of barren mares the stallion is not to blame, but the mare herself. 

Displacements of the uterus are frequent; the cause of 
these it is not necessary to go into, further than to affirm it as our 
belief that the}" are due in a large number of cases to unneces- 
sarih^ rough obstetric surgery at a previous delivery, but whatever 
the cause may be, the fact remains, displacements of the icterics are 
frequently met with; to obviate this and procure conception 
it is necessary, in the first place, to alia}" all the inflammatory 
effects arising from the distortion of the organ, and thereafter to 
ensure the introduction of the male semen into the proper chan- 
nel by means of an instrument, for the invention of which obstetric 
veterinary surgeons are indebted to American ingenuity'. Mares 
that have once proved barren should be submitted to a careful 
manual examination without running the risk of losing another 
season, expending money in stallion's fees, or before raising any 
question as to the sterility of the horse; this last precaution serves 
two useful purposes; firstly, it obviates the risk of an}' legal or 
contentious proceedings on the part of the owner of the stallion for 
libelling his animal, and. secondly, it saves the owner of the mare 
from further disappointment should he have special reasons for 
availing of the cross with that particular animal; and yet, again, 
he has the satisfaction of tracing the absolute cause of the barren- 
ness and may therefore know how to obviate it in the future; we 
have reason to speak confidently as to the practical utilit}" of the 
OS DILATOR, ha\'ing put it to the test with perfectly satisfactory 
results. 

Other causes of abortion and barrenness are an inflammatory 
and ulcerated condition of the uterus; also of the neck and mouth 
of the uterus; this inflammatory condition of the uterus and ad- 
joining parts results in the secretion of an unhealthy and foetid 
discharge, occasionalh' of an acrid and acid character; if this is 
present when conception takes place it tends to render the develop- 
ment of the embryo very imperfect and usually results in abor- 
tion; and it may be added that the acridity of the secretion is 
frequently sufficient to destroy the vitality of the semen, prevent 
conception, and so prove the immediate cause of barrenness. The 



ABORTION AND PREMATURE BIRTH. 255 

causes which may be accountable for abortion are so numerous that 
it is impossible to include within the limits now available anything 
like a detailed account of them, but we must in passing note one 
form, that which is said to be due to infection, when a number of 
animals abort one after another without any assignable reason; it 
is true that such a result is not frequently noticed among mares, 
but that is probably due to the fact that as a rule mares are not 
kept in such numbers as are cows or sheep; but there is no reason 
why such fatal consequences should not follow where mares are 
kept in any large number for breeding purposes; we are never- 
theless firmly of opinion that under proper treatment and suitable 
conditions there is no reason why an epidemic of abortion ought 
not to be prevented, and mainly because of this faith do we pro- 
pose to enter into the consideration of the administration of drugs 
as one means of averting the serious losses attendant upon the 
business of the breeder; the main symptoms have already been 
furnished in the language of Dr. Fleming, in his able work on 
Veterinary Obstetrics, and these must serve as the sign posts by the 
way to point the breeder to the destination he seeks to arrive at; 
with the hints there offered he will glean information that will 
enable him to determine if abortion is threatened, and when this 
is so, then from the symptoms given under the various drugs he 
will be able to select one that is suitable to the case, and, 
perchance, prevent the abortion; on the other hand, if one mare 
aborts then the time has arrived for watching closely all the other 
in-foal mares on the premises, in order that no time may be lost 
in treating them should symptoms of abortion supervene. 

Arnica 3X. — In cases where a mare has sustained an injur3% 
such as running against a fence or gate; or if she has fallen while 
galloping about and so experienced a shock to the system, a few 
doses of this remedy will serve to prevent untoward results. 

Aletris far. t). — If a mare has aborted more than once this 
remedy should be administered in ten-drop doses ever}^ other day 
for a fortnight before the period of pregnancy to which she had 
attained on the previous occasion, and there is good reason to be- 
lieve that it will serve to interrupt the habitual tendency' to 
abortion. 

Belladonna 3X. When a mare gives signs of uneasiness, and 
strains till the vagina presses outwards, with more or less discharge 



256 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

of blood, which feels very hot; the eyes bright red, and the carotid 
arteries throb under pressure; the slightest noise causes consider- 
able excitement. 

Calcarea carb. 6x is suitable for mares of heavy disposition with 
little or no life about them; ears, nose and legs more frequenth^ 
cold than of a natural heat; the slightest abrasion of the mucous 
membrane brings on bleeding; if labor pains come on attended 
with giddiness and the before-mentioned susceptibilities are recog- 
nized as peculiar to the animal this remed}" will suffice. 

Caulophyllum Q . — Where abortion is threatened but the uterine 
contractions are feeble and the loss of blood slight. 

Chamomilla 3. when labor pains come on and the discharge 
of dark blood is attended with freqitejit attempts at passing water, 
the urine being profuse and of a pale, watery color; the mare will 
give distinct proof of excitability and irritableness, by continually 
l5dng down, getting up and mo\dng about the box as though she 
did not know what to do with herself; moreover, if ordinarily quiet 
and inoffensive, she will viciously snap at her attendant as he 
passes her off his guard. 

Cimicifuga 3X for mares that habitually abort and have at 
some time or other been the subjects of rheumatism; this has 
proved itself an invaluable remedy under the conditions indicated, 
and is one of the agents which under the most depressing condi- 
tions does such valiant service for the cause of Homoeopathy, as it 
effects the cure of cases that entirely baffle the best efforts of Allo- 
pathy, probably because the latter fails to recognize the possible 
relation between two such diseases as abortion and rheumatism, 
and the bearing one has upon the other. 

Crocus IX. — The one indication for this remedy' is the discharge 
of black blood in string}^ clots; this is by no means an unusual 
condition when mares are about to abort, and if the S3'mptom is 
presented no time should be lost in administering Crocus. 

Gelsemium ix is an extremely valuable drug in those cases 
where the symptoms of abortion present themselves accompanied 
by the special indication ' ' loss of control over movement. ' ' 

Ipecacuanha 3X. — It is seldom that horses ever give evidence of 
nausea by retching, inasmuch as they are unable to vomit through 
the mouth by reason of a belt of mucous membrane that lies at 
the root of the tongue, being suspended from the roof of the throat; 



ABORTION AND PREMATURE BIRTH. 257 

but occasionally under extreme aggravation, such as may very 
possibty take place with an in-foal mare, the desire to vomit over- 
comes every obstacle and the effort is repeatedly made; when this 
effort of nature accompanies other indications of abortion, and is 
attended by a profuse flow of bright red-blood per vulvam, Ipe- 
cacuatiha will render good service and effect a most satisfactory 
cure. 

Sabina ix. — When abortion occurs at regular periods, more 
particularly the fifth month in mares and is accompanied b}' a 
profuse discharge, clotted and fluid blood, some dark, some red in 
color. 

Viburnum ix. — When the pains are very severe and the blood 
is discharged entirely in clots, indicating threatened abortion. 

The above-mentioned are all suggested as preventive remedies 
to be administered according to their special indications before 
abortion has taken place; we have now to consider what has to be 
done where abortion has already occurred first as regards the indi- 
vidual sufferer, and second as it affects or may affect other mares 
similarly placed. The mare that has aborted requires almost as 
much care and attention as one that has gone her full time and 
born a fully developed foal; she should be protected from ex- 
posure and generally nursed with light, easil}^ digestible food for 
a few days; she should receive a few doses oi Arnica ix, and be 
watched for the complications attending an ordinary parturition, 
especially as regards the cleansing; at least twelve months should 
be allowed to elapse before permitting sexual intercourse, and 
meanwhile a manual exploration of the genital organs should be 
made by a qualified veterinarian to determine whether the parts 
are all in a healthy state, and if not, proper treatment should be 
adopted, both constitutional and local, if requisite. If there is 
reason to believe that the abortion is due to infection from a 
previous case, great care should be taken to isolate the animal 
that presents S3miptoms of abortion, and keep her far awa}' from 
other pregnant mares; the attendant set apart to look after the 
one that has aborted should not be allowed to go near other preg- 
nant mares until his clothes are properly disinfected; all the 
excreta of the patient should be covered with quick hme, the 
floor and drains dressed with a disinfectant, and thereafter thor- 
oughly washed down with plenty of water, while the building 

17 



258 VKTKRINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

itself should be disinfected by burning sulphur for some hours, 
and thereafter exposing it to a current of fresh air for a fortnight 
before allowing mares that are with foal to occupy the compart- 
ment. 

When abortion can be traced to ergotized hay, rusty straw or 
other damaged fodder, the remedy is clear enough and it calls for 
no suggestion how to act. To those who have invested large 
sums in the purchase of valuable brood mares whose object it is to 
make breeding pa}^, or we would even say, who do not wish to lose 
money, we would impress upon such the importance of taking some- 
thing like a scientific view of the position; mere hap-hazard chance 
will not do where vital processes, such as those associated with re- 
production, are concerned, and bearing in mind the immense sums 
of money that have been lost for want of a more delicate apprecia- 
tion of the requirements of nature under such conditions, we feel 
that we are only attempting to serve the cause we have at heart 
by issuing a warning note on this all-important subject to the 
breeders of the future: those who aim to realize profit at horse 
breeding, and who can conduct establishments on anything like an 
extensive scale should see to it that they secure the services of a 
qualified veterinarian who has made the subject his own in all its 
bearings, for certainly no lay horseman, however clever and 
observant, can properly undertake the responsibilities arising out 
of the care of a stud of brood mares, if the best possible is to be 
made out of them, and serious losses are to be obviated; for men, 
who are horsemen only, and have no practical knowledge of the 
subject of reproduction, the art of breeding must be a costly ex- 
periment, and if such think they can find among ordinary stud 
grooms or stablemen, those who can properly conduct a breeding 
establishment, we have no hesitation in stating that they will be 
disappointed in nine cases out of ten; it is not reasonable to ex- 
pect anything else; it would be just as likely to answer, if a man 
was brought up to the business of a shoemaker to expect that he 
could conduct a large engineering works; every one knows what 
would be the consequence of such an appointment. It would be 
very easy to point to quite a number of horse breeders who seem 
to have done fairly well; but we never came across an instance 
yet where far better things might not have been realized had the 
business been in the hands of a man w^ho knew how to deal with 



ABORTION AND PREMATURE BIRTH. 259 

the subject of breeding from a scientific standpoint; the saving in 
mares alone would have shown a large profit on the gross capital 
invested; we are constrained to write very strongly upon this 
point, because so many men act as though the reproduction of the 
various classes of animals was a mechanical work; something like 
a clock which has to be w^ound up once a week to keep it regu- 
larly going; although necessarily compelled to blow one's own 
trumpet in showing how the business should be conducted, we are 
not slow to give a good, loud blast, as we are convinced that it 
will be for the ultimate benefit of those who have a hobby for 
breeding horses if they will but follow our suggestion, which is to 
rely upon a professional veterinarian in all that concerns the man- 
agement of brood mares, always provided that he has made the 
subject a specialty. 



THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 



In order to properly, or even approximately, understand the tre- 
mendous influence which the nervous system exercises over all 
the other systems of the animal body in the regulation and main- 
tenance of their varied functions, it is necessary to explain roughly 
the methods by which this marvelous combination of cause and 
effect is brought about; it is no uncommon thing for medical men 
and veterinarians when asked to account for certain morbid con- 
ditions, to attempt to disguise their own ignorance of the real 
cause by attributing the same to the mysterious influence of the 
nervous S5^stem, a procedure which doubtless serves to mystify 
the enquirer and may even leave the impression that the profes- 
sional man is a singularly learned individual; it does not, however, 
make the matter any clearer, and therefore as passing reference 
has, here and there, through this book been made to the influence 
of the nerves or the nervous system in the production of certain 
morbid conditions, we desire as far as it is possible to clear up such 
vague generalities by a simple explanation of how these effects 
are brought about, and that before the special diseases affecting 
the different parts of the nervous system are considered. First 
then, of what does the nervous system consist? It may perhaps 
render the explanation more easy of comprehension, if we liken 
it to a large number of telegraphic offices, all of which are 
located under one roof and more or less intimately connected 
together; these are represented by the brain and spinal cord; and 
each of the respective offices is represented by what is commonly 
known as a nerve centre; each of the before-mentioned offices has 
a wire which conveys messages to it, and a wire that conveys 
messages from it; these wires are represented by what are known 
as nerves; for instance, an external impression is made upon some 
part of the skin, the nerve which receives such an impression 
conveys the message like a telegraph wire to the office or nerve 
centre in the spinal cord, and from thence it is conveyed by the 

260 



THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. - 26 1 

other wire to some particular muscle which under its influence 
contracts: this is spoken of in physiology as reflexation; in other 
words an impulse is conveyed to a centre by a sensory nerve and 
is reflected from that centre through a motor nerve and through 
the latter produces a muscular contraction. There is further, an 
automatic action, the difference between which and reflex action, 
it is somewhat difficult to define, but perhaps the simplest ex- 
planation is this, that whereas so-called reflex actio?i is due to some 
impulse effected from without the body, automatic action is due to 
impulses effected within the body, and without which life and the 
various functions of the body could not be maintained, such, for 
instance, as respiration, the pulsation of the heart, the movements 
of the alimentary canal, the control of the size of the blood 
vessels, etc.; at the same time the principle of conduction is 
much the same in both, the impulses being received at one place, 
conveyed therefrom by means of nerves to a centre and reconveyed 
by another nerve to the part to be acted upon; a very familiar 
illustration of this may be cited in the act of defsecation; the feel- 
ing of necessity for relief is brought about by the contact of the 
faeces with the mucous membrane of the lower intestine (the 
rectum); through the sensory nerves the impulse is conveyed to 
the nerve centre and from thence to the muscles of the rectum by 
the motor nerves, which produce contraction of said muscles and 
expulsion of faeces; this illustration, however, serves a double 
purpose, first to explain the meaning of automatic action, and 
second that some automatic actions are capable of restraint by 
exercise of the will; this is known as the inhibitor}^ action. There 
are reflex actions other than those that affect the various complex 
movements referred to, which excite and set up the peculiar func- 
tion of secretion in the glands, such, for instance, as the secretion of 
saliva, which is excited by some substance touching the tongue or 
through the action of the jaws in mastication. In attempting a 
simple description of the nerve centres, they were referred to as a 
number of telegraph offices all located under one roof and com- 
municating with one another, and that these are represented by 
the brain and spinal cord; some of these offices or nerve centres are 
located in the brain and some in the spinal cord; at the same time 
the inter-communication between these centres is maintained by 
what are called ''paths of conduction " in the spinal cord; this may 



2 62 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

be proved b}^ dividing the cord, when the parts that receive their 
nerve supply from the portion below or posterior to the division 
are paralyzed both as to feeling and the power to move, for the 
connection with the nerve centre which ma}^ either be located in 
the brain or in a part of the cord above the division is severed and 
the ^' path of conduction " is broken up; the same result transpires 
when through an injury the spinal cord is ruptured, as does occur 
sometimes to horses in the hunting field or w^hile running in a 
steeplechase; the common method of testing the seat of injury to 
the spine is to prick the body and legs with a sharp pin; if the 
animal displays no sense of feeling in certain parts while it evinces 
pain in others, it is comparatively eas}^ to determine approximately 
the seat of injury, as well as to come to an authoritative diagnosis 
with relation to its extent and serious consequences. Reference 
has already been made to the i7ihibito}y or restraining action of 
some nerves and an illustration furnished; another instance may 
be mentioned of a similar kind of action, which has an interesting 
bearing upon the consideration of certain difficulties that beset the 
horse when called upon for a supreme effort of speed, namely, the 
power of restraining the beating of the heart which is effected 
when certain fibres of the pneumo-gastric nerve are unduly stim- 
ulated; now, it must be explained that the pneumo-gastric nerve 
is endowed with very complex functions; its centre is in the brain, 
and there it is very intimately associated with two other of the 
cranial nerves; among other functions, it presides over the pro- 
cesses of digestion in the stomach and intestines, which it serves 
to stimulate; but the branch that goes to the heart exercises the 
exactly opposite (the inhibitory) function, and according to the 
extent this branch is stimulated, it may either act usefully in pre- 
venting the heart from beating too frequentl}', or it may act 
prejudicially b}^ arresting its action altogether; the point therefore 
which is of interest to the practical horseman is, that whereas the 
pneumo-gastric nerve is endowed with the power of producing two 
exactly opposite kinds of impulse, one branch going to and acting 
upon the digestive organs, while the other goes to the heart, an ex- 
planation is furnished of how some animals under peculiar circum- 
stances are easily affected by careless feeding, or by calling upon 
them to perform work that demands special fitness at times when 
they are totally unfit to make anything like a violent effort. 



THE NKRVOUS SYSTEM. 263 

In contradistinction to the inhibitory or restraining action of 
some nerves there is also a provision in the nervous system for 
augmentation or increase of action in some nerve centres; this 
provision is evidently intended by an all-wise Creator to counter- 
act difficulties that would, without it, otherwise arise in connec- 
tion with the circulation of the blood, as the effect of such power 
of augmentation is most noticeable by the way in which the cali- 
bre of blood vessels is regulated; without an extra stimulus, at 
times, the ordinary blood pressure in the vessels would be insuffi- 
cient to keep up the necessary regularity in the normal blood 
supply to all parts; were this counteracting provision for regulat- 
ing the blood pressure unprovided in all probability some parts 
would be overloaded and congested with blood, while others would 
be lacking and anaemic. 

Both inhibition and augmentation in nerve action are conditions 
which may become unduly established; that is to say, each par- 
ticular function after being brought into action may continue 
beyond the time or period in which it may be useful or necessary, 
and thus become a disease; the principle of the regulator of a 
watch somewhat explains the condition of affairs; when a time- 
keeper goes too fast and gains, the regulator may be moved too 
far in the contrary direction and the watch thereafter loses time; 
so long as the regulator is allowed to remain in this position the 
losing of time goes on; in like manner the nervous system may 
get out of order and require regulating; a study of the chapter 
on the diseases of the heart, its treatment, and the remedies which 
have a special affinity for that organ, will materially assist in over- 
coming the difficulties arising out of the irregularities in the nerv- 
ous system just referred to, inasmuch as having discovered the 
totality of the symptoms and the drug peculiar to the same, the 
irregularity which has become established in certain nerve sup- 
plies will, under the action of such remed}^ speedily be corrected 
and that frequently without the drug being included in the list of 
so-called nerve tonics, which is the kind of treatment generally 
resorted to by allopaths for these nervous disorders; the matter of 
chief importance for the practical horseman, who has to depend 
upon his own unaided powers of discriminat'on to discern condi- 
tions in an animal that are frequently most difficult of recognition, 
is to bear in mind that intimate relations exist between the various 



264 VETERINARY HOMOSOPATHY. 

systems, and that unless these relations are recognized, and allow- 
ances made accordingly, it is not to be expected that treatment can 
be successful; the fact that injudicious feeding, both as to the 
quality of the food and the time of giving the same, may possibly 
exercise an unwarrantable demand upon the functions of the 
nervous system, which, in its turn, avenges itself upon the heart, 
and through that organ the lungs, points a moral and teaches a 
lesson which an intelligent horseman should not be slow to appre- 
ciate and put to practical application; fortunately for those who 
practice on homoeopathic principles, it is not necessary to wait 
until every detail of the cause of disorder is discovered; the totality 
of the symptoms furnish the guide to a remedy, but among the 
symptoms must be included those that are observable through 
careful examination of the heart and how it performs its functions, 
bearing in mind when conducting such examination, the influence 
of the nervous system over that organ. There is still one other 
special action with which the nervous system is endowed, namely, 
co-ordination; to illustrate the meaning of this term it is only 
necessary to remind our readers of the loss of control which, under 
given conditions, horses occasionally experience over their powers 
of movement; as the attempt is made to walk the animal rolls 
from side to side, and in extreme cases is unable to retain its foot- 
ing; this peculiar inability to control the movements may, some- 
times be observed in the disease commonly called ' ' staggers, ' ' of 
which there are two kinds, or at all events two kinds are described; 
one being considered due to the brain and the other to the stomach; 
however this may be, there is the fact that under these conditions 
the animal is unable to perform the complex muscular movements 
which the act of walking requires; other illustrations of co-ordina- 
tion occur in the acts of swallowing and coughing, both of which 
acts call forth a regular succession of muscular contractions, one 
after the other, for their perfect performance; these complex 
movements are governed by certain nerve centres located in the 
spinal cord, where the co-ordinating impulses are developed. This 
brings us to the conclusion of the consideration of the physiologi- 
cal aspect of the nervous system; but for the fact that the subject 
has such an important bearing, alike upon health and disease, we 
should have refrained from any reference thereto; it seemed, how- 
ever, desirable to attempt to show how the nervous system (albeit 



THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 265 

in a very imperfect manner) presides over and keeps going tlie 
other systems — circulatory, digestive, respiratory, etc. — and that 
without it the whole organism would come to a standstill; the im- 
pression undoubtedly prevails in the minds of leading veterinarians 
that primary disease of the brain, the spinal cord and the nerves, 
is comparatively rare in the horse, and probably this is so; seeing 
the (Jifficulties in the way of recognizing the various morbid con- 
ditions in the human subject, and hence the greater difficulties 
that must of necessity beset the veterinarian to discern similar 
conditions among the lower animals, it is a matter of congratula- 
tion that diseases of the nervous system are comparatively rare 
among our patients; nevertheless we fully believe that the entire 
dependence of the other systems upon the nerves warrants the 
conviction that the study of the influence exerted by the nervous 
system as a factor in the cause of disease among horses and lower 
animals generally, demands far more serious consideration than it 
has yet received. 

Before proceeding to the consideration of the diseases affecting 
the different parts of the nervous system, it is desirable for the 
sake of simplicity and the clearer appreciation of the same, 
that an explanation should be given of the parts that enter 
into the composition of this intricate and highly important 
divivsion of animal life. The apparatus which provides, supplies 
and conveys all over the body that excitation which is requisite 
for the execution of all the acts and functions that are indispens- 
able for the maintenance of life, is divided into two parts, namely: 
the cerebrospinal axis, which consists of the brain and spinal cord, 
and the nerves, which are given off on either side of the central 
axis and therefrom distributed to all parts of the bod}^ The 
brain and spinal cord are both enveloped, for the sake of protec- 
tion, in a bony case called the cranial cavity (or skull) and the 
spinal canal (or vertebrae); in addition to these there are three 
membranes called the meninges, which serve to separate the soft 
nervous substance from this hard, bony case; the outer membrane 
serves as a lining to the bony case and is called the ' ' diira mater;' ' 
the inner membrane, which is closely adherent to the outer sur- 
face of the cord and brain, is called the '' pia mater;'' while the 
middle membrane consists of two layers, one covering the outer 
portion of the pia mater and the other the inner part of the ditra 



266 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

mater, which is known as the ^^ arachnoid;'' between the two 
layers of the arachnoid, and therefore intervening between the 
pia mater and the dura mater, a particular serous fluid is present; 
the object of this fluid is probably to diminish concussion and 
generally to afford protection for the soft, delicate material of the 
brain and cord and prevent injury thereto that might otherwise 
attend the jar against the hard, bony case. In respect of the 
nerves, it may be stated broadly that they arise from certain recog- 
nized centres in the brain and spinal cord, and pass out of the 
cranial cavity and spinal canal in pairs through special openings 
(or foramina) and proceed therefrom to their particular destina- 
tions to be distributed over the whole body ; of the cranial nerves 
there are twelve pairs; and the spinal nerves are estimated at forty- 
two pairs. The three membranes already described as the dicra 
mater, the arachnoid and the pia tnater will in the future be re- 
ferred to conjointly as the meninges, it not being necessary to dif- 
ferentiate between them when treating of them in the inflamma- 
tory conditions affecting them in the various forms of disease in 
which they are complicated; but it was deemed desirable to explain 
how and of what the Tneninges are composed, as they occupy a 
rather considerable and important position in some disease con- 
ditions affecting the brain and cord. 

INFLAMMATION OF BRAIN SUBSTANCES— CEREBRI- 

TIS— INFLAMMATION OF THE MENINGES— 

MENINGITIS. 

Although the true brain substance and the brain coverings may 
under certain conditions be independently the seat of inflamma- 
tion it is rare to meet with a case in the horse where, either at the 
outset or as an ultimate development, both parts are not affected, 
and this is accounted for by the fact that the disease is generally 
due to a cause that necessitates their joint implication; injury as 
the result of external violence or some abnormal prominence in 
the cranial bones accounts most frequently for these cerebral in- 
flammations; they may arise in some instances from exposure to 
the overpowering rays of a tropical sun, or in connection with a 
specific fever, but in the horse this is of rare occurrence. It wnll 
therefore be seen that whether the inflammation be due to violence 
from without or injury from within the cranial cavity as the result 



INFLAMMATION OF ERAIN SUBSTANCES. 267 

of an unduly prominent bone the effect will in the end be much 
the same; not only will the meninges participate in the damage, 
but the true brain substance also. The distinctive characteristics 
of the cerebral and meningeal structures under the influence of 
inflammation are set forth very clearly by the late Professor 
Robertson in his work entitled ' ' Equine Medicine, ' ' in the fol- 
lowing terms: " When the membranes are primarily affected there 
is suddenness in development of symptoms, local congestion, ex- 
citement with muscular spasms or convulsions, succeeded by sub- 
sidence or arrest of normal nervous activity. Invasion of the true 
cerebral structure, on the other hand, is less active in develop- 
ment of symptoms, is marked by no frenzy or excitement, but 
from the first exhibits lowered or depressed functional activity and 
impairment at the outset of some special nerve function. In the 
early stages of inflammation of the cerebral structures in all ani- 
mals during which there is much muscular derangement, and par- 
ticularly when the meninges seem more largely the seat of this 
morbid action there is very likely to be excitement, delirium or 
convulsions. The severity of these will be determined b}' the 
extent of tissue invaded. This hyperactivity of cerebral function 
is not constant or continuous, but paroxysmal in character, liable 
to be brought on or seriously augmented by any untoward noise 
or disturbance to which the animal may be subject. The consti- 
tutional fever is well marked, the temperature raised, skin and 
mouth perceptibly hotter than natural; there seems pain in the 
head, which the animal cannot bear to have roughly handled; the 
eyes are staring and bloodshot, with pupils contracted; the pulse 
frequent and hard or sharp; respiration irregular and sometimes 
accompanied with a moan; bowels confined. The animal is rest- 
less and uneasy, moving from side to side or around his box, the 
body sometimes damp with perspiration. Occasionally muscular 
twitcliings and general or local hypersethesia are symptoms well 
marked. Succeeding this stage of increased nervous irritability and 
vascular excitement, which is generally short-lived, is that of 
nervous aberration and depression, indicative of more extensive 
involvement of the true nerve structures. The fever subsides, 
the temperature of the body is lower, the pulse diminishes in fre- 
quency, is less sharp or hard; the breathing becomes stertorous, 
the delirium or excitability gradually declines, and special sensa- 



268 VETERINARY HOMOEOPATHY. 

tion is lessened, until consciousness is lost in coma more or less 
perfect. With the subsidence of the restlessness the horse will, if 
capable of maintaining the standing posture, do so listlessly in 
one position, the head lowered, the eyes glassy, with pupils dilated, 
while control over voluntary movement is much disturbed. The 
disposition to preserve the position of the limbs as the}^ may be 
placed is not unlike the condition which prevails in catalepS5\ 
From the commencement the appetite is capricious and the dis- 
charge from kidneys and bowels less in amount than natural. 
The partial muscular twitchings or general convulsions are not 
present in every case and usually most attractive as the termina- 
tion is approached. At this period the animal is almost certain, 
unless carefully watched, to do itself injury by violent and uncon- 
scious tossing. ' ' 

Treatment. — Arnica ix. — When the disease can be traced to 
external injuries this remedy should be administered four times a 
day at intervals of four hours; and compresses soaked in a lotion of 
the mother tincture, one part to four of distilled water, constantly 
applied. 

CEREBRO-SPINAL MENINGITIS. 

Nervous diseases affecting the horse are, we must admit, very 
obscure, so far as our knowledge of them is concerned; at the 
same time we are satisfied that however we may attempt to 
account for it, cases of this kind are far less numerous amcng 
the lower orders of animals than in the human subject, and under 
the circumstances there is cause for congratulation that it is so. 
The disease, which we now propose to consider is general 1}^ in- 
cluded in works upon equine medicine under the head of general 
disorders, but inasmuch as it owes it origin to and distinctly 
affects this group of organs, we feel justified in including it under 
the list of diseases of the nervous sj^stem proper. We believe we 
are correct in stating that some years ago an outbreak of what 
w^as described as cerebro-spinal fever took place in New York, and 
carried off quite a considerable number of animals, and it was at 
that time looked upon as a true specific fever; but we are not 
aware that an}" positive opinion was arrived at as to its precise 
pathology, nor were the actual relations between the severe symp- 
toms exhibited and the changes which post mortem were observed 



CEREBRO-SPIXAL MENINGITIS. 269 

in the brain and cord satisfactorily cleared up; this, however, is a 
matter of far less importance to the homoeopathist than to the 
allopath, as he depends upon the s^^mptoms a case presents dur- 
ing life rather than to any knowledge of changes that are going 
on as the result of the disease; for this cause we, as homoeopaths, 
do not find ourselves beset with the same difl&culties in attempting 
treatment of obscure diseases that the allopaths do. It is not at 
all clear what accounts for this form of fever, though bj^ some it 
is attributed to dietetic errors, while others account for its pres- 
ence b}^ climatic disturbances; certainly the facts that frequenth' 
quite a number of horses are attacked at one and the same time, 
and that the outbreaks are onh^ occasional, but when the}' do 
arise come suddenl}^ point rather to climatic influences than to 
dietetic errors; but whatever ma}^ be the cause it does not seem to 
us that this has much bearing upon the treatment. First we will 
deal with the Symptoms presented: Suddenness is characteristic 
of the disease; the horse loses all power of control over his move- 
ments; falls to the ground without any apparent reason, intima- 
tion being given but a few moments prior to going down by 
giddiness and staggering; when down the horse struggles vio- 
lently and makes frequent ineffectual attempts to rise; sweat 
breaks out over different parts of the body and literally pours off 
the animal; the pulse and respirations are rapid, urgent and 
irregular, there being no relation between one and the other, as 
there is in health and in many diseased conditions; the horse is 
extremely sensitive, and muscular spasms affect him in various 
parts of the bod}^ contracting and relaxing with great apparent 
force; the eyes have a wild and staring look, and the animal 
throws its head about with great violence; the visible mucous 
membranes, especially of the eyes, are extremely red and injected. 
Unless the disease centres its force almost entirely on the brain, 
the horse cannot bear to have any pressure upon the spinal col- 
umn. Constipation usually sets in early; the urine is passed with 
difficulty and at varying periods. The temperature changes 
remarkably; at one time of the day it will be found considerably 
elevated, at another almost down to the normal, nor is there any 
specified time when these alterations take place. 

Treatment. — In the first place it is important to have the 
animal placed in a quiet and roomy box, away from other horses, 



270 VETERINARY HOMOEOPATHY. 

and apart from the attention of his nurse, should be allowed to 
remain as undisturbed as possible. 

Adea racemosa ix is specially indicated for sharp muscular 
spasms and great restlessness; and when the symptoms already 
referred to as aifecting the eyes and the urine are present, these 
only confirm its usefulness; when a horse is in the condition 
which this remedy covers, it is a critical period, and to have a 
medicine at hand that is capable of alleviating these symptoms is 
a matter of the first importance. 

Cicuta virosa 3X. — This remedy goes farther in its effects than 
the previous one, as it not only meets those cases that have spas- 
modic twitchings, but also the paralytic S3miptoms; a horse is 
down and cannot rise in consequence of the paralj^zed condition of 
hind quarters, give him this remedy and you will probably find 
that he is soon able to get up; in many cases that have died from 
this disease the post mortem examinations have revealed hyperae- 
mia (excess of blood) of the brain and cord; the same condition 
presents itself in animals poisoned by this drug; to this extent, 
therefore, pathology and pathogenesy agree. 

Cuprum acetiacm 3X is a splendid remedy to steady muscles 
that have been the subjects of spasmodic twntchings, in addition 
to which paralysis, particularly when centred upon the right side 
and in the fore limb, is amenable in a remarkable manner to its 
action; this remedy exercises a potent influence upon the brain 
while at the same time a post-mortem examination reveals no 
organic mischief; a further indication of its usefulness in the dis- 
order may be gleaned from the symptom already referred to of 
scanty urine. 

Ipecacuanha 0. — Dr. Hughes, in his Pharmacodynamics^ when 
referring to the action of this drug on the nervous system, states: 
* ' What amount of direct action Ipecacuanha exerts on the nervous 
system in health is uncertain. But it has found an occasional place 
in the treatment of neurotic affections in both schools of medicine, 
as may be seen in Dr. Imbert-Gourbeyre's collection. I can speak 
only of cerebro-spinal meningitis and of intermittent fever. In an 
epidemic of the former disease occurring at Avignon in 1846-7 
Dr. Bachet was led to Ipecacuanha as the medicine most similar to 
the symptoms present, and he gave it (in the mother tincture) in 
every case with such great relative success that it was appropriated 



TETANUS — LOCKJAW. • 27 1 

(of course without acknowledgement) by the practitioners of the 
old school in the place, and ranked as a specific." 

Veratrum viride 3X is another agent which, after administration 
to the healthy in poisonous doses, produces hyperaemia of the brain 
and cord; among its chief symptoms are muscular spasms and con- 
tortions. Dr. Hale, of Chicago, esteems it highly under such con- 
ditions, and compares its action to those of Aconite and Belladonna 
conjoined. The pulse is a full, bounding one, and the tongue is 
coated with yellow fur at the sides, having a red streak dowm the 
middle. t 

TETANUS— LOCKJAW 

Is a disease of the nervous system that is characterized by a con- 
tinuous spasm of certain muscles, generally in the horse, those of 
the face; it certainly does at times affect other groups of muscles 
about the bod 3% as in the case of the neck, when the head is 
drawn upward and backward; of the body generally when the 
tendency is to bend forwards; or of one side, when the effect is to 
draw the whole animal to one side. 

The most recent studies of pathology have led the members of 
the old school to ascribe the disease to a specific organism; but as 
the larger number of cases in the horse seem to be the result of 
some mechanical injury, such as a prick in shoeing or a surgical 
operation, it is difficult for us to accept the microbe theory; our 
belief is, that these microbes are to be found in any and every 
form of disease, and our faith in their absolute powers of disease 
production receives a considerable shock when we come to try to 
account for the production of a disease which as a lule seems to 
depend on such a cause as mechanical injury, like the one now 
under consideration, and the question at once arises in the mind, 
is this theory deserving of serious consideration in any form of 
disease? We find the other school of medicine admitting that 
symptoms vsimilar to those of tetanus can be produced in the 
healthy animal by the administration of Strychnine — which is one 
of the remedies used by homoeopathists to cure tetanus — therefore 
we agree that though microbes may be discovered in the blood of 
a tetanic subject, there are causes other than the microbe produces 
to account for the development of tetanus; and further, we are of 
opinion that whether recognized or not at the time, some injury, 



272 - VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

known or unknown, is invariably the fons et origo of all cases of 
tetanus; this may strike some as an illogical argument; we cannot 
help that; our faith remains the same, and it is rendered the more 
firm in this direction by the evident relation, pathogenetically and 
therapeutically, of certain drugs which have the power of produc- 
ing on the healthy exactly similar symptoms to those presented in 
a true case of tetanus, and their capacity to cure the disease when 
it occurs in a patient. 

Although the term tetanus may refer to spasm and rigidity of 
any of the voluntary muscles of the body, it is more generally 
applied to those of the face and neck of the horse, in which situ- 
ation the morbid affection is mostly observed; through the rigidity 
of the muscles of the face, the jaws are closed, hence the charac- 
teristic term lockjaw. It would seem that a good warrant exists 
for the accepted idea that the muscles of deglutition are the first 
to experience an impression of a coming seizure, as one of the 
earliest symptoms observable is an irritable champing and grind- 
ing of the teeth, while at the same time saliva is rather profusel}^ 
secreted, which drips from the corners of the mouth, the position 
of the head is almost invariably alike in all cases, the nose 
being poked out so that the angle of the jaw is a decidedly obtuse 
one; the muscles of the back of the neck become rigid, rendering 
the protrusion of the nose a more marked feature. Further, 
another essentially characteristic symptom is the spasmodic move- 
ment of the membrane, provided by nature to wipe the surface of 
the eyeball, termed the 'jnembrana niditans; in ordinary health 
this fine membrane is never seen, being located beyond ordinary 
observation within the inner canthus of the eye, and only when a 
foreign substance alights upon the eye is it projected with great 
rapidity over the anterior surface for its removal; when, however, 
a horse is the subject of tetanus it frequently protrudes beyond its 
normal situation and flashes itself more or less frequently within 
the line of natural observation. The nostrils are very much 
dilated and the rate of breathing very much accelerated; the pulse 
and temperature are variously affected, one case exhibiting much 
greater sensibility than another; when the muscles of the body are 
affected those of the back will feel rigid and hard, while the tail 
goes through a continuous series of spasmodic twitchings; the 
animal stands with his legs much farther apart from one another 



t . 



TETANUS — I.OCKJAW. 273 

than is usual in health, and can only move a few steps at a time 
with the greatest difficulty. From the character of the breathing 
and the general appearance of the countenance an impression is 
conveyed that the animal guSers acutely, a view that becomes con- 
firmed when, as is often the case, perspiration is very profuse; if 
the animal is beyond the reach of relief, the pulse, which may in 
the earlier stages have been firm, as death draws near becomes 
more rapid and decidedly feeble, and overpowering exhaustion is 
but too plainly evident. 

Treatment. — To prevent the administration of medicinal 
agents from being absolutely useless there is one precaution that 
must be observed most strictly; the more perfect the silence in 
the box or stable and the more completely quiet prevails in the 
immediate precincts, the better for the patient; but it is absolutely 
a sine-qua-non that the man who attends the horse should move 
about in the quietest and most deliberate manner possible; the 
stable should be darkened; the door must be opened and shut 
without any noise, and strictly abstain from shouting or even 
talking, at]»y deviation from this line of conduct is calculated to 
aggravate the spasms and paroxysms of pain and thus retard a pos- 
sible recovery. From a medicinal standpoint we have known many 
cases cured absolutely and alone by Aconite ix, more especially in 
cases that can be distinctly traced to undue exposure to cold, or 
to sudden shock from a local injury; Henr}^ Edgar, Esq., M. R. 
C. V. S., of Wanstead, in Essex, has reported several cases very 
successfully treated with Aco?iite; while we have personally had 
the satisfaction of seeing three very decided cases make excellent 
recoveries under the action of this remedy. 

Strychnia 3X. This powerful drug is credited with being thor- 
oughly en rapport with tetanus when the same owes its origin to 
traumatic causes. Dr. Hughes affirms ' ' the homoeopathicity of 
Strychnia to tetanus needs no demonstration. It is one of those 
facts which go to prove the fundamental character of the law of 
similars, since we see nature herself making provision for its ap- 
plication. Now Dr. Stille cites (as I have mentioned) eight cases 
of the traumatic form of the disease in which its use was followed 
by cure. ' ' We have relied more frequently upon this agent than 
any other, and, as a rule, though not invariably, with success. 

Acid hydrocyanic 3X; doses not to exceed five drops; if Aconite 

18 



274 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

fails this agent may usefully be employed, especially in the more 
acute cases, when the spasms are violent and attended by intervals 
of specially marked exhaustion. We are not able to offer an}^ 
well-defined indications which will enable one to differentiate be- 
tween these remedies. 

In administering medicine the attendant must exercise great 
caution not to alarm or startle his patient, and must show unmis- 
takeable forbearance and patience; if the horse is able to swallow, 
the homoeopathic remedies, being capable of administration in 
small quantities of water as a vehicle, can be gently introduced to 
the back of the mouth by using a syringe for the purpose; or if 
that is not practicable the drops be mixed in a teaspoonful of 
glycerine and thence laid on the tongue; if this also is impractica- 
ble by reason of the close proximity of the teeth, then a rather 
larger dose, half as much again, must be injected well up the 
rectum. 

The horse should, as a rule, be put into slings at the outset of 
the attack, unless there is reason to conclude from previous exper- 
ience that it will annoy or irritate the animal. 

Ice enclosed in muslin bags should be applied down the course 
of the spinal column and kept in position by means of long tapes 
tied round the abdomen, unless made sufficiently large to lie where 
placed without shaking off; when removed a soft horse cloth 
should be thrown loosely over the body to check a possible chill 
from the melted ice running over the sides. One of the chief difii- 
culties that one has to contend with in a case of this sort is to 
induce the animal to take any nourishment; under no circum- 
stances is food taken freely, therefore when presented it should be 
of a nourishing character and in concentrated form, such also as 
will check any tendency to constipation; eggs beaten up in new 
milk; beef tea, etc. , etc. ; if it is not partaken of voluntarily and 
the exercise of force to introduce it by the mouth is calculated to 
upset the horse, then an effort must be quietly and gently made 
by means of the enema pump to introduce a substantial quantity 
per rectum. 

The frequency of the dose depends a good deal upon the severity 
of the attack, the intervals ranging from one to three hours; as 
infrequentl}' as possible is our advice in order to avoid unneces- 
sary disturbance. 



CHOREA. 275 

CHOREA. 

The common and well-known term by which this form of disease 
is designated in the human subject is ''St. Vitus' Dance," and 
although it is probable that while it is correct pathologically to 
speak of the nervous disturbances of the muscular system, which 
provoke the abnormal conditions known among horsemen as 
* ' shivering ' ' and ' ' stringhalt, ' ' among those classified under the 
general head chorea the symptoms are not identical with those 
observed either in man or dog. Whether it is the brain or the 
spinal cord that is principally affected, or which of these localities 
of the ner\'OUs system is the seat of the disturbance that produces 
these peculiar manifestations in the horse has not been definitely 
decided b}^ pathologists, therefore we shall not attempt to discuss 
the question. In man and in dogs the choreic spasms, whatever 
limb or part of the body they may effect are as a rule fairl}^ coii- 
tinuous, but in the horse that is a " shiverer'" this is not the case; 
and for this reason there is the greater necessity, when buying a 
perfectly strange horse, to avail of every well known test to dis- 
cover whether or no there is any tendency to this disease; this 
remark applies especially to horses of the heavier breeds, among 
which it is most commonly observed. Stringhalt, however, once 
developed is constant, and there need be little fear of deception 
from that source; with regard to its influence upon the usefulness 
of ahorse there is a marked difference; a '' shiver er'' is to all 
intents and purposes a useless animal for draught work; the 
animal may be able to move forward fairly well, but when it 
comes to backing it is a different thing altogether; strange to 
say, however, though patent to the observation of the greatest 
novice, '' stringhaW does not seem to effect a horse's useful- 
ness; we have known many horses that were the subjects of these 
peculiar muscular spasms, that worked regularly with, apparently, 
no difficulty; one case being that of a well known hunter whose 
owner rode him regularly every week to hounds and was as a rule 
among the first flight and that in a close country where the jumps 
were numerous and the fences frequently awkward. It is not 
necessary to make reference to the symptoms of stringhalt it is so 
well known, but some notice must be taken of those that indicate 
* ' shivering. ' ' 



276 VKTKRINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

Symptoms. — Among the muscles of the loins and thighs, oc- 
casional and sometimes constant twitching are observable; those 
muscles which enable the horse to raise its tail are effected when 
the animal is in the act of drinking. Very occasionally the 
muscles of the neck, shoulders and arms are affected. 

When called upon to move the affected limbs are generally lifted 
from the ground with an unusually sharp, snatchy action, while 
on putting them down greater caution is observed than by a 
healthy animal. If the horse is turned quickly from one 
side to the other, it seems to lose control temporarily over its 
movement; and if forced to back immobility will be very apparent 
either by a decided refusal to move, by helplessly dragging the 
affected limbs along without lifting from the ground at all, or by 
snatching them up very spasmodically and putting them down 
very cautiously; at the same time the tremulous twitching of the 
tail will be noticeable. Walking or trotting in a forward direction 
rarely discovers any peculiarity and avails nothing in an examina- 
tion as to soundness. 

Treatment of either of these forms of nervous disease is very 
uncertain and as a rule productive of little benefit; still, if one has 
a horse in his possession that develops either of these morbid con- 
ditions, it will be worth while to make an experiment with one or 
more remedies to be indicated. 

Ignatia ix in those cases wherein the symptoms are easily 
aggravated by being startled or frightened. 

Ag-ai^icus muscarius 0. — Twitchings cease when at rest. 

Cuprum metallicum 3X. — Spasms extremely severe, indicating 
deep-seated disease — and structural change in the nerve centres. 

Arsenicujn album 3X. — Symptoms worse at night; restlessness, 
weakness; when brought on by work; comes on periodically; 
constitutionally impoverished. 

Zi7ic sulphate 3X. — When produced by injury or is the sequel 
to some exhausting disease. 

PARAI^YSIS. 

This condition is somewhat rare in the horse, though there are 
several forms in which it is occasionally observed; on account of 
its infrequency we shall confine ourselves to a consideration of 
those particular forms of the disease which are met with the most 



PARALYSIS. 277 

often. We have to deal with cases of general paralysis wherein 
both fore and hind Hmbs are affected; with he^niplegia or one- 
sided paralysis in which both fore and hind limbs of one side only 
are implicated; with paraplegia in which either the near fore and 
and off hind limbs or vice versa are affected, the result being that 
we have a bilateral disturbance to deal with; and local paralysis, 
a condition but rarely vSeen, but when it does occur, appears to 
affect the lips, facial muscles, larynx, penis, tail or rectum. 
When general paralysis takes place it seems to be due to an 
affection of the brain, such as might supervene upon injuries, 
as a fall in the hunting field or during a steeplechase. Hemiplegia 
or one-sided paralysis is probably the rarest form of the disease 
that occurs in the horse; but when it does arise the angle of the 
mouth appears to feel the full force of the attack; the lips on the 
affected side hang pendulous and the animal can neither take up 
food or water in consequence. When called upon to move the 
animal is inclined to bear towards the affected side, and if left to 
itself would soon walk in a circle, as going straight ahead seems to 
be out of the question; the limbs on the opposite side to the lesion 
of the brain are the ones that fail to do their duty. 

Paraplegia, or transverse loss of power is the form most gener- 
ally seen in the horse; among the causes to .which it is due we 
have to enumerate injuries to the brain and spinal cord from frac- 
tures of the vertebrae or spicules of bone in the cranium; a dis- 
eased condition of the nerve substance of the cord; a lack of 
nutrition of the nerve centres through the blood; and reflex irrita- 
tion from some foreign agent such as of worms, in the intestines. 

Local paralysis is generally due to some direct injury upon the 
affected organ or part of the body — probably the most frequently 
observed development takes place in the muscles of the face, due 
as it is considered to some impairment of the functional powers of 
Xho^portio dura nerve; the indications of the existence of this form 
of paralysis are observed in the lips and mouth generally, affect- 
ing not only the powers of prehension, but also those of mastica- 
tion; the latter symptom distinguishes local paralysis from hemi- 
plegia, so far as the muscles of the face are concerned. 

Treatment. — Caiisticiim ix. In paralysis of the lips, face and 
larynx this remedy has acquired considerable reputation, not only 
among men, but animals also; as Dr. Hughes points out, a lead- 



278 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

ing symptom for this remed}^ is that of involuntary emission of 
urine when a paralytic patient coughs. 

Conium 3X in paralysis of the penis due to excessive coitus^ 
such as that which occasionally arises in stallions when they have 
served too many mares within a short period of time. 

Ai'gentum nitricum 3X in paraplegia due to a fall in the hunt- 
ing field, the horse having pitched on to his head in landing over 
a big fence. 

Belladonna 3X in paraplegia where the animal loses control over 
his movements; this remedy should be used in the early stages of 
the disease, especially when the whites of the eye are injected, 
red streaks appear thereupon, and the pupils are dilated; inability 
to hold water and considerable excitement are confirmatory 
symptoms. 

I.AMKNESS. 

The detection of the seat of lameness is not nearly so easy as ■ 
many men w^ho claim to have a fair knowledge of horses and their 
ailments seem to imagine; and while the scope and general objects 
of this work do not allow our dealing with the subject in any- 
thing like an adequate manner, it is necessary that a word of 
warning should be offered on the difficulties which are constantly 
presenting themselves to the amateur horseman in correctly de- 
termining the locality of the pain which causes a horse to go lame; 
for unless a man has some practical acquaintance with these diffi- 
culties and is prepared to recognize that they exist, it will prove of 
very little value for us to provide instructions as to treatment, 
which is, in fact, the primary object of this work. In the first 
place, it is essential that a correct opinion should be arrived at as 
to whether the horse is lame of a fore limb or a hind one; to de- 
termine this, the horse should be run in hand, at a slow pace, both 
away from and towards the observer; in the case of a horse trot- 
ting from you, that is lame of one of the fore limbs, the dropping 
of the head gives a swaying motion to the body, which produces 
an up and down motion to the quarters, which might lead one in- 
experienced in testing such a case, to infer that the animal was 
lame of one of the hind limbs; but when the horse comes towards 
the observer it will be clear from the dropping of the head that it 
is in one of the fore limbs; on the contrary, w^hen the lameness is 



LAMENESS. 279 

in the hind limb the dropping of one quarter will be apparent as 
the horse goes from the observer, while in approaching him there 
is not so great a tendency to the counter-motion in front, and mis- 
takes are not so liable to be made as when the opposite condition 
exists. Having then determined at which end of the body the 
lameness is to be found, the next matter for consideration and de- 
termination is in which particular limb the cause of pain is located; 
if a horse is lame of the off fore limb he drops the weight of the body 
upon the near fore and his head bobs and sways toward that side 
and vice versa; it may be also that the animal is unable to flex (or 
bend) one of the joints of the fault}^ limb, which necessitates its 
being carried forward stiffly and in a stilty fashion; such a coinci- 
dence furnishes still further proof of the particular limb that is 
affected; again, an animal may be lame of both fore limbs, as is 
frequently the case w^hen a horse is the subject of navicular dis- 
ease; under such conditions lameness will more often than not be 
overlooked by anyone other " than an experienced veterinar}- 
surgeon, as there will be no dropping, no bobbing of the head, 
and the general action will be fairly level; shady horse dealers fre- 
quently take advantage of this state of affairs to palm off an un- 
sound animal as a perfectly sound one to the unwary purchaser; 
and, what is still worse, a horse that was considered to be suffer- 
ing from an incurable lameness of one foot has had some foreign 
substance, such as a small piece of iron, inserted between the shoe 
and the sole of the sound foot, so as by pressure to produce ten- 
derness and pain equivalent to that experienced in the diseased 
foot; in this way the sound limb was rendered as bad as the other, 
by which means the real lameness was temporarily obscured; it is 
of no use to rely upon the dropping gait to detect double lameness 
of this character; the way to discover it is to watch carefully the 
action, which under such circumstances is palpably short, stilty 
and cramped, accompanied by a distinct rolling of the bod}', as 
though the animal was afraid to bring any weight to bear on the 
feet, and no doubt this is the case. Cases of lameness in a hind 
limb are to be detected during motion from the dropping of the 
quarter on the side of the unaffected or sound limb, while the 
quarter of the affected limb is jumped at, as the animal, in course 
of progression, throws the weight of the body off the injured 
limb on to the sound one; the peculiar stiffness of gait already re- 



28o VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

ferred to as being sometimes observable in a fore limb is more fre- 
quently a marked peculiarity of lameness in a hind limb. So far 
we have been considering the methods of observation in detecting 
lameness from movement and action; it remains now to refer to 
those indications which may be observed when the horse is at rest; 
these are pointing with the injured or faulty limb; standing with 
one foot in advance of the other; standing with the knee bent or 
flexed and resting the leg on the point of the toe, the object of 
which is evidently to take the strain off the back tendons; in cases 
of severe shoulder lameness this fl3xed state of the knee joint is 
carried to such an extent that the to^, while barely touching the 
ground, rests lightly in a pendulous fashion behind the position 
occupied by the sound foot. 

In cases of lameness of both fore feet, such as occurs in laminitis 
(inflammation of the sensitive portions of the feet), when the 
animal suffers acute pain by reason of the natural weight of the 
body brought to bear while standing, the horse advances both 
hind limbs well under the body, at the same time the fore feet will 
be alternately resting or well drawn under the body in proximity 
to the hind ones in order that they may be relieved as much 
as possible of the weight of the body; on the other hand, if the 
hind feet are affected in this way, they will still be advanced 
under the body, but the fore limbs will be placed perpendicularly, 
straight under the chest, the head being hung down and the body 
sw^aj^ed towards the front with the object evidently of bringing 
the main body weight forwards and as much as possible on to the 
fore limbs. 

lyameness of the hind limbs may be indicated during repose by 
a flexion of the fetlock joint, even to the extent of knuckling 
over; by continually resting the faulty limb, or, as is frequently 
seen, by standing with it completely elevated off the ground. 

Having proceeded thus far and satisfied himself of which limb 
an animal is lame, it behooves the observer to complete his ex- 
amination, and by manipulation to determine the positive seat and 
cause of the lameness; in the majority of cases evidence is clear 
from the presence of heat, swelling and pain, while in not a few 
neither of these objective conditions can be discovered, especially 
in cases where the deeply seated, sensitive structures of the foot are 
implicated, the bones of the limbs and feet, and the muscles whose 



SPRAINS OF TENDONS, LIGAMENTS AND MUSCLES. 28 I 

function it is to enable the horse to flex and extend his limbs; 
under such conditions the evidence is rather of the negative order, 
and much reliance must be placed upon the peculiar character of 
the gait before the precise spot can be discovered, after which 
forcible manipulation in the case of an injured muscle will fre- 
quently cause the animal to reveal the seat of pain by flinching 
and drawing away from the person so examining it. 

In proceeding to deal with the more general causes and seats of 
lameness, we shall only be able to touch the fringe of the subject: 
so much ground would have to be covered if it were dealt with 
exhaustively, and a whole volume might be written on this one 
division of our work; common ordinary causes of lameness will be 
merely mentioned en passant, believing as we do that this will be 
sufficient for all practical purposes to the majority of those who 
will patronize this book; but wath some of the more obscure 
causes of lameness we shall attempt a fuller description in order 
that our methods of treatment may be the better applied and more 
satisfactory results be obtained. 

SPRAINS OF TENDONS, LIGAMENTS AND MUSCLES. 

The tendons and ligaments of both fore and hind limbs below 
the knees and hocks are frequently the seats of injur}^ from slips, 
either in the stable or out of it; from over-stretching produced by 
some violent effort, such as starting a heavily-loaded cart or 
wagon or jumping in the hunting field. A sprained ligament is 
generally more troublesome to deal with than a tendon; we may 
as well endeavor to explain the difference between tendons and 
ligaments; broadly and generally speaking, a tendon is a strong, 
thick and long piece of fibrous tissue attached at the upper end to 
a muscle, while inferiorly it is attached to a bone; its function 
being to enable a joint to be flexed or extended; a ligament is a 
short piece of fibrous tissue of very firm structure though of less 
substance and size than a tendon, which serves to keep the two 
ends of long bones approximated together to form joints; around 
each joint, of the limbs for instance, there are four or more liga- 
ments; while both tendons and ligaments consist of what is 
described by the anatomist as fibrous tissue, a microscopical ex- 
amination of their respective structures reveals a difference in 
their construction; but beyond the practical fact that the tendon 



282 VETERINARY HOMOEOPATHY. 

is, generally speaking, softer, more elastic and yielding than the 
ligament it is not necessary to go more closely into these details. 
The muscles consist of a much more highly organized tissue than 
is the fibrous tissue of tendons and ligaments; muscular tissue is 
endowed with the power of contraction produced by a stimulus 
from the nervous system; by means of this power of contraction 
or shortening of the muscles the various phenomena associated 
with motion are effected. The composition of muscular tissue 
renders it much more amenable to the action and influence of 
drugs than are the tissues of either tendons or ligaments; for this 
reason cases of injury to the muscles, as a rule, are more easily 
and quickly cured than in those where the tendons and ligaments 
are damaged; moreover the lowly organized insensitive tissue of 
which tendons and ligaments consist requires severer methods of 
treatment than does muscular tissue, which fact will serve to 
make clear the absolute necessity, in bad cases of injury to liga- 
ments for instance, for the use of the actual cautery or some 
irritant that will set up active inflammation for a time, a pro- 
cedure which practical experience has shown is necessary before 
these lowly organized tissues can be restored to a sound and 
healthy condition. This, of course, is a very common style of 
treatment among allopathic veterinarians for all sorts of lameness, 
and it must be understood that we do not advocate its adoption as 
common or even ordinary practice, but only in very extreme and 
chronic cases; at the same time we are satisfied that the applica- 
tion of the actual cautery, inasmuch as it is used to set up inflam- 
mation in a given tissue, is distinctly homoeopathic in principle; 
inflammation in the first instance was the cause of the morbid 
change that has taken place in a sprained tendon or ligament, and 
so caused lameness, to overcome this morbid condition and restore 
the tissue to its pristine condition, inflammation must sometimes 
be set up and allowed to subside naturally; without going into a 
detailed explanation of the various changes which take place 
under such treatment, it will suffice to state that as a rule satis- 
factory results follow its adoption, a thickened tendon or ligament 
thereafter assuming its normal size and usefulness. 

In the first instance we invariably advocate the adoption of 
gentler measures, such as the application of a non-irritating lotion, 
and in all recent cases of sprains and injuries this method of pro- 



SPRAINS OF TENDONS, LIGAMENTS AND MUSCLES. 283 

cedure suffices to effect a speedy cure. Heat, swelling and tender- 
ness are pronounced characteristics of sprained tendons; in muscles 
the swelling is not so distinctly observable, but instead are soft 
and pulpy to the touch, and if not properly treated this condition 
is sometimes succeeded by an absolute loss of substance, hence the 
wasting which is at times observable in the muscles of the fore 
arms and thighs after violent injury; the fibrillae or constituent 
elements of the muscle have in all probability been ruptured cross- 
wise; inflammation being set up, a fluid exudate is, consequent 
thereupon, thrown out and degeneration of the elements follows 
which interferes with the function of contractility. 

lyameness of the hind limbs from sprain of the psoas muscles 
is no uncommon condition among all classes of horses. The 
psoas muscles are situated internally, under the spinal column; 
they originate about opposite the last ribs and extend in a back- 
ward direction to be attached to the pelvis, one of their functions 
being to draw the hind legs forward; injury to either of these 
muscles renders it very difficult for a horse that is down to rise, 
hence the necessity of using slings for an animal in this condition 
to avoid the risk involved by allowing it to assume the recumbent 
position; a horse with such an injury can manage to stand without 
any fear of aggravation, but when very severe it is no uncommon 
thing for knuckling over at the fetlock joints to take place, furn- 
ishing additional reason for putting the animal into slings. 

An animal suffering from injury to these muscles will stand 
with the hind legs wider apart than usual and, when called upon 
to walk, evinces considerable loss of power to bring either one or 
both legs forward, depending, of course, upon whether the mus- 
cles of both sides are affected; the animal is unable to properly 
lift its foot off the ground and drags it along in a helpless, uncer- 
tain manner, while there is a distinct tendency to knuckle over at 
the fetlock joint. Confirmation of the precise seat of the injury 
may be obtained by examining the parts, namely, per rectum; let 
the bare arm, which should first be lubricated with carbolized oil, 
be introduced as far as possible up the rectum, when heat, con- 
siderable tenderness and possibly some swelling will be detected; 
in very severe cases swelling is sometimes observable externally 
at the anus. The best treatment for thcvse cases, after putting the 
horse in slings, is to apply hot fomentations to the loins b}' means 



284 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

of flannels wrung out of water as hot as the hand can bear, and 
thereafter applying a medicated {Arnica 0) compress; the lotion, 
as usual, should be made of one part of tincture to six of water; 
this compress should be constantly applied for some few days; in 
addition two or three quarts of the lotion should be injected into 
the rectum by means of an enema pump t iree times a day, and 
the usual dose of Arnica 3X administered per oram thrice daily. 
The diet should be of a slightly relaxing character, with plenty 
of slops, so as to render the faeces as soft as possible. 

Another set of muscles involving lameness in the hind limbs 
that to an amateur horseman may prove obscure and somewhat 
perplexing is that portion of the quarters known as the crural 
muscles; they extend in a mass from somewhere about the hip 
joint to the patella or stifle; their function is to raise the thigh 
and bring it forward; when these muscles are injured the horse 
can neither straighten the stifle nor bend the hock, and when an 
effort is made to walk the leg is dragged along on the toe, the 
limb as a whole being, as it were, left behind; these are among 
the cases where there is a risk of some one or more of the muscles 
becoming wasted; when such is the case nothing short of a blister, 
repeated two or three times over a period of six or eight weeks, will 
serve to restore the wasted muscle to its normal state of health 
and usefulness. If the seat of lameness is discovered before wast- 
ing of the muscular tissue commences, hot fomentations and liberal 
hand friction with arnica lotion will generally serv^e to restore the 
animal to soundness, absolute rest being indispensable meanwhile. 

One form of shoulder lameness that frequently occurs 
among horses that are worked on the land during the ploughing 
operations is due to the sprain of certain muscles that ser\^e to 
cover the shoulder blades, the points of the shoulders and the 
arms; also a long muscle which is attached superiorly each side of 
the head, passing down the lower part of the neck and helping to 
form the groove which exists down the course of the neck whence 
it passes over the point of each shoulder and is attached inferiorly 
to the inside of the fore arm, and that large mass of muscle which 
serves to cover the main bone of the arm as it lies in position, ex- 
tending from the point of the shoulder forwards to the elbow 
backwards, together with the corresponding internal muscles 
known as the pectoral or muscles of the chest. Several of these 



SPRAINS OF TENDONS, LIGAMENTS AND MUSCLES. 285 

muscles are very liable to waste if the injury is neglected, in 
which case stimulating remedies and long rest are absolutely nec- 
essary to effect a cure. The wasting, as a rule, takes place in 
those muscles that clothe the shoulder-blade, leaving a hollow 
space down the course of the bone which causes the prominent 
portion in the centre to stand out like a ridge. 

The objective symptoms during motion, are marked dropping of 
the head, and the throwing out of the leg in a stiff, helpless fash- 
ion; when standing, the knee is flexed and the leg hangs just 
resting on the point of the toe. There will probably be some 
swelling and evident pain on pressure of the affected parts; a fur- 
ther test is to lift the leg from the ground, move it backwards, 
forwards and in a rotary manner, whereupon the animal will 
shrink from the proceeding and give evidence of considerable 
pain. When treatment is commenced early, it is rarel}^ necessary 
to require anything more than that already indicated with Aimica 
lotion, plenty of hand friction and hot fomentations; but should 
the horse have been at all susceptible to the rheumatic diathesis, 
and Arnica does not effect a satisfactory cure, resort may be had 
to the application of Rhus toxicodendron on similar lines, both ex- 
ternally and internally. 

Shoulder slip, by which is meant an apparent dislocation of 
the shoulder joint when the foot is planted on the ground, but 
which disappears when the foot is lifted from the ground, and 
ELBOW LAMENESS are both associated with the muscular injuries 
already described, having symptoms very much alike, but dis- 
cernible the one from the other by the marked sensitiveness on 
manipulation of the affected part. When we descend to the knee, 
the tissues affected are of the fibrous character, and we have to 
deal with ligaments and bones, as in inflammation of the knee 
joints, including those very fine membranes which serve to secrete 
the lubricating fluid, known as synovia, that is required to enable 
the bones forming joints to play smoothly one upon the other as 
the joints are flexed and extended; below the knee are found the 
FLEXOR tendons, or BACK SINEWS as they are vulgarly called, 
underneath which, in the groove of the canon bone, lie the sus- 
pensory LIGAMENTS bounded on either side by the vSmall canon 
bones; these exist in the hind as well as the fore limbs; the 
fibrous tissues of which these ligaments are formed are of an in- 



286 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

elastic character and are frequenth' the seat of sprain among the 
heavier class of horses that are called upon to move heavy loads; 
the lack of elasticit}' gives the horse the power to move a heavy 
load, but when too much stress or force is laid upon the unj'ield- 
ing structures the}^ give way, and a rupture of the individual fibres 
is the result; under such conditions nothing but long rest, in con- 
junction with ordinary treatment, is of any avail; time must be 
allowed for the fibres of the ligament to reunite and become firmly 
welded together before the animal can go sound or be fit for work 
of any sort. These remarks apply with equal force to the back 
sinews or flexor tendons, though we are of opinion that there is 
more elasticity in these than in the bulky ligaments just referred 
to; and inasmuch as the locality of these flexor tendons allows for 
more immediate application of lotions and liniments to them than 
is possible with the suspensory ligaments, treatment is generally 
more effective and satisfactory. The aforesaid suspensory- liga- 
ment, on reaching the fetlock joint at the back, divides into two 
parts, is attached to two floating bones, called sesmoids, which 
form part of the fetlock joint, and from thence the two divisions 
of the ligament pass downwards and ultimately blend with and 
become attached to the principal flexor tendon of the leg. We 
have gone thus fully into a description of this ligament and its 
attachments with a view to the production of a proper estimate of 
the damage that a sprain of the deeper situated tissues ma}' effect; 
the examination of a weak or injured limb by amateur horsemen 
is, as a rule, so superficial that it becomes necessarj^ to particularly'- 
point out one of the frequent seats of lameness affecting horses 
that have to move heavy loads or those that have to make violent 
efforts, as have steeplechasers and hunters in the act of jumping. 
In the first instance all cases of injury affecting tendons and 
ligaments should be treated with hot fomentations, by standing 
the leg in a pail of hot water; occasionally adding a small quanity 
of boiling water to keep a uniform temperature; thereafter hand 
rubbing the affected part with Arnica lotion — i in 8 — and then 
applying an Arnica lotion compress, which should be retained in 
position, with some pressure for several hours; when the compress 
is removed the legs should be firmly bandaged with a strong roll 
of dry linen, which should be kept in position for two hours, and 
the former process of fomentation, rubbing and compress re- 



SPRAINS OF TENDONS, LIGAMENTS AND MUSCLES. 287 

peated; these two methods should be alternated for several da\'s; 
meanwhile the horse should be kept quite still in the box ; if these 
methods do not result in effecting a cure then the more severe 
measures must be adopted, such as blistering sharply or firing 
lightly; in the case of thickened tendons point or pin firing is the 
be.st, as by this means blemishing is avoided and a good deal of 
pain is saved. 

Before leaving the upper part of the fore legs it is necessary 
to deal with a very common injury, namely broken knees; the 
importance to be attached to this class of injury varies in degree 
according to the extent of the damage done; but so long as the 
sheath of the extensor tendon is not cut, nor the articulations be- 
tween the rows of bones forming the knee penetrated, so as to 
allow the escape of synovia (or joint oil) no better treatment than 
the application of Calendula lotion, viz., one part of the mother 
tincture to three parts of water, can be adopted, the lotion may 
be satisfactorily applied by means of the spray diffuser, a method 
that has a decided advantage over the common practice of satura- 
tion of lint w^hich is kept in position with a bandage, inasmuch as 
the formative material thrown out in the natural healing process 
is not removed by the immediate application of a resisting medium, 
moreover the horse is far more likely to stand quiet and not flex " 
(or bend) the knee if the healing agent is applied in this almost 
imperceptible manner; it is quite true that in the first instance the 
applications require to be frequent, say once every hour; but the 
more speedy healing of the wound more than repays the slight 
extra trouble this method involves. In cases where joint oil 
escapes either from the knee or the hock the measures it is neces- 
sary to take are tedious and sometimes involve many hours' 
persistent and unremitting attention; the continuous applica- 
tion of slacked lime, finely pulverized, sprinkling it on to the spot 
where the joint oil is escaping until such a time as the union of 
the oil and lime forms a plug and the further escape is arrested, is 
the best treatment; it is important to understand that once begun, 
this procedure must be continued without even one moment's inter- 
mission through day and night, if needs be; it is generally neces- 
sary to have a relay of at least three men who will keep up the 
sprinkling of the lime until the desired object is attained: once 
the flow of synovia is arrested the caked lime must be allowed to 



288 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

remain until it drops off, which it generally does when the wound 
is healed; it should be hardly necessary to add that when injuries 
of this kind are experienced, the horse must not be permitted to 
lie down, and in most instances it is necessary to put the animal 
into slings in order to afford it some rest. 

SpIvINTS or exostoses on the canon bone, particularly when they 
are located at the margins of the groove in which the suspensory 
ligament rests, are likely to be producti\'e of lameness, not merely 
because of the tenderness arising from inflammation of the bone, 
but also by reason of the splint standing out so prominently that 
the back tendons rub against it as the horse flexes and extends 
his leg in trotting and so produces extreme soreness; yet again, 
when a splint arises immediately underneath the joint of the knee, 
thus interfering with the true action of the articulation, it produces 
lameness. There are several methods of treating a splint: First, 
if the fine membrane which covers all bones, and necessarily ex- 
tends over a splint when it forms, called the periosteum is cut, 
the splint will frequently disappear; this should be done with a 
fine periosteotomy scalpel by a veterinary surgeon. Second, a 
fine piece of hard steel, sharply pointed, about the size of a lady's 
ordinary stocking needle made red hot and plunged boldly into 
the splint will effect its reabsorption. Third, rub in an ointment 
consisting of one part of Biniodide of mercury, one part of Iodine 
and eight parts of lard once thoroughly; if after the effects have 
passed off, the splint, or any portion of it remains, a second or even 
a third application may be required, but in the end the absorption 
of the bony enlargement is effected. 

Sprain of feti^ock joint is not of frequent occurrence, but 
when it does occur is productive of considerable trouble. Hunters 
and steeplechasers are more often the subjects of this form of 
lameness than any class of horse; indeed, fracture of the bone 
known as the suffraginis which enters into the composition of the 
fetlock, is not at all uncommon; if the fracture consists of a simple 
breakage in the long axis of the bone there is no reason why 
union should not take place and the horse be able to do light work; 
but when as is sometimes the case, the suffraginis is broken into 
splinters or in the transverse direction there is very little hope of 
effecting a satisfactory cure, and only in the case of a valuable 
brood mare should we recommend its being attempted; if, however, 



SPRAINS OF TENDONS, LIGAMENTS AND MUSCLES. 289 

an attempt is to be made, we recommend in addition to the usual 
surgical appliances the internal administration of Symphytum S^ 
a dose night and morning, as there is no doubt that this remed}" 
aids the healthy union of fractured bones. In simple sprains, 
however, it is better to apply tow, cotton, wool or lint all round 
the fetlock joint, saturate the same with Arnica lotion and bind 
it on firmly with a cotton or linen bandage, taking care to keep 
the applications continuously moist with the lotion; a removal 
once in twenty- four hours would be essential; internal administra- 
tion of Arnica 3X, a dose morning, noon and night, materially 
assists the action of the local application. 

As we near the foot, the diseases of which will be dealt with at 
the close of this article, we have one very troublesome condition, 
which mostly afiects the heavier class of horses, viz., ringbone; 
this consists of a bony growlih which develops upon the upper and 
lower bones of the pastern, and as its name indicates forms a ring 
around the bone; the long bone of the pastern, already referred 
to as the suffraginis is the seat of the higher ringbone, and when 
very large it interferes with the free action of the ligaments which 
are attached to this bone; this form, however, is not frequenth^ a 
source of trouble; the ringbone which gives the real trouble and 
produces such obstinate lameness is that which forms round the 
articulation of the suffraginis, or long bone of the pastern, and the 
corona, or short bone of the same, and may be felt as a prominent 
bony deposit round the upper margin of the hoof; the cause of a 
ringbone is attributed to strong inflammation arising in the can- 
cellated structure of the ends of the before named bones; as the 
result of the inflammation, lymph is thrown out, which, in the 
end, becomes organized and hard as bone; in a large number of 
cases, among heavy cart horses, this deposition of bony material 
goes on at the respective ends of these bones until an union is 
effected, and the joint becomes anch^dosed or firmly joined 
together, so that the articulation cannot act freely, a fact which 
accounts for horses so affected going somewhat stiffl>' in their 
gait; prior to this union being completed, and while the inflam- 
mation is actively proceeding, the horse experiences pain and 
consequent lameness ensues; this is the period for treatment, the 
object being to arrest the inflammation and the deposition of the 
formed and bony material that goes to make up the ringbone; if 

19 



290 VETERIXARY HOMOEOPATHY. 

taken in time very satisfactory results may be looked for from the 
application locally and internal administration of Symphytum 6; 
localh' by means of rubbing in a lotion and the application of a 
compress of the same; the lotion to consist of one part of the 
remed}^ to three of water, and internally the usual dose, in both 
cases using mother tincture. A horse with ringbone of the fore 
limbs puts his foot to the ground heel first, much like it does when 
suffering from laminitis or inflammation of the sensitive laminae 
of the foot; but it may be distinguished from laminitis by the fact 
that the heat is confined to the upper part of the foot, whereas in 
laminitis the heat and pain are generally diffused over the whole 
of the hoof; when the ringbone developes in the hind limbs the 
horse generalh' puts the toe to the ground first. In all such cases 
rest is imperative, and we strongly advocate the removal of all 
four shoes and allowing the horse to stand on a bed of saw dust 
or moss peat a foot thick. 

We shall now^ turn our attention to lameness of the hind limbs 
other than those already dealt with, and will commence with the 
STIFLE; this joint is formed b^' the femur or thigh bone, the tibia 
or shank bone and the patella or knee cap of the human subject; 
inflammation of the ends and articular surfaces of these bones 
generalh' accounts for lameness of the stifle joint, and is Yery 
often due to what is described as the rheumatic diathesis; in other 
words the animal is susceptible to rheumatism, and this joint is a 
weak spot upon which the disease centres itself. In order to 
prevent as much as possible the articular surfaces of these bones 
from rubbing upon one another and so producing great pain, the 
horse stands with the leg flexed and resting on the toe; when the 
animal attempts to move, he drags the foot along on the point of 
the toe, and will not put the foot down flat if it can possibh' be 
avoided; there is generally marked swelling and some heat in the 
region of the stifle joint. 

One of the best remedies for this condition is J^/ius toxicodendron 
H in the usual proportions 1-8 in the form of liniment, applied 
with plenty of friction, and internalh' administered in the third 
decimal attenuation ; both being repeated at least three times a 

day. 

The HOCK of the horse which corresponds with the ankle joint 
of the human subject, is by reason of its complexity the seat of 



SPRAINS OF TENDONS. LIGAMENTS AND MUSCLES. 29 1 

several forms of lameness; the articulations formed by the approx- 
imation of various bones are frequently the seat of disease; strain 
and concussion are accountable for setting up inflammation in the 
bones, bony deposition follows, and the surfaces of the bones 
cannot glide smoothly upon one another; when this takes place 
we have to deal with bone spavin. Then in order that these 
various bones may be kept in proper relation, the one to the other, 
numerous ligaments or short bands of fibrous tissue are found; 
these become sprained, inflamed and thickened, causing lameness. 
One well marked form of lameness known as curb, owes its 
development to sprain of the annular ligament of the hock in its 
posterior aspect ; inflammation is set up, followed by thickening of 
this ligament together with a short ligament that is attached to 
one of the posterior bones of the hock and the long bone of the 
leg called the metatarsal bone, consequent upon which a slight 
prominence (a curb) is observable at the back of the hock in its 
lower aspect. Many practitioners, after reducing the inflammation 
with hot fomentations, fire for this condition; this practice we do 
not agree with; the remedy that we have found answer the best 
is a lotion consisting of one drachm of Perchloride of Mercury^ dis- 
solved in one pint of boiling water with just sufficient Hydrochloric 
acid added to keep the mercur}^ in solution; with this the curb 
should be w^ell rubbed twice daily until the parts are sore, after 
which apply a little sweet oil to the skin, and when the soreness 
has passed off recommence with the lotion over another period till 
soreness is reproduced, and so on until the curb disappears en- 
tirely; the time that it takes to effect the complete absorption of 
an ordinary sized curb is one month under this form of treatment, 
which when properly carried out leaves no blemish behind. 

Bog Spavin consists of a soft, fluctuating swelling on the inner 
portion of the front part of the hock joint; many horses are the 
subjects of bog spavin, but never go lame; nevertheless the}^ are 
unsightly and must at all times be looked upon with suspicion lest 
they should develop into a condition that produces lameness; when 
treatment is desired the same lotion and course of procedure should 
be adopted as has been already prescribed for curb. 

Bone Spavin. — It is of the first importance that a horseman 
should be able to recognize when this form of bone disease is reallv 
present; even many professional men make mistakes and condemn 



292 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

horses for bone spavin when nothing more than big, coarse hocks 
are present; there is probabl}^ more uncertainty, among those who 
should know what a spavin really is, in determining the actual ex- 
istence of the exostosis than in fixing upon any other defect to 
which a horse is liable; and from the great differences of opinion 
which have and do exist with reference to the fact that has to be fre- 
quently decided in courts of law, ' ' is thej^e or is there not a spavin^' ' 
no little discredit has fallen upon the veterinary profession; we 
have repeatedly seen horses condemned as having spavins that 
had coarse and large boned hocks, while, on the other hand, a 
horse with undoubted spavins has been passed sound as though 
they were not present; we have found no difficulty in determining 
the presence or absence of spavins, and we consider that every 
veterinary surgeon of experience should be in a similar position. 
The question then arises: What is a done spavin and how may it 
be detected? A done spavin is a deposition of formed material, 
which ultimately calcifies and becomes hard and bone-like, on the 
inside of the hock at its lower point, and is due to an inflamma- 
tion of the bones which go to form that part of the hock, viz.^ 
the cuneiform and the metatarsal; after the inflammation subsides 
and the formed material has become calcified the articulation 
formed by the before named bones is united, or as it is technically 
termed ' ' anchylosed, ' ' and the spavin is plainly discernible to the 
eye and forms a distinct prominence of greater or less size that is 
readily capable of detection by means of touch; a hock that is free 
from spavin has a smooth surface, and the various bones that enter 
into its composition can be felt in proper api)Osition; the ir- 
regularities of surface which are present in a spavined hock can- 
not be discovered in a hock that is sound; the hocks of some 
horses are very full and the individual bones round and large, but 
when carefully examined the surface will be smooth and even; 
hence this normal fullness of the bones should not be mistaken for 
an abnormal and diseased condition; indeed, a horse with a large, 
bold or even coarse hock will stand far more work, strain and con- 
cussion than will the narrow, small joint. It has been asserted 
that if both hocks are alike in size and the action of the horse is 
good that spavins are not present, but we do not consider this a 
satisfactory proof either wa3^ as both hocks may be spavined; 
again, some horses have one hock naturally larger than the other 



SPRAINS OF TENDONS, LIGAMENTS AND MUSCLES. 293 

and still are sound. No ! the proper thing is to be able to recog- 
nize when Q. spavin is present, and this we affirm every practitioner 
should be able to determine, and that without making a mistake. 
In dealing with spavins the most important matter for the owner 
to do is to watch for the first indications with a view to the pre- 
vention of further development; inflammation of the bones and 
their interosseous ligaments is the first process; an animal that is 
the subject of this inflammatory process must necessarily experi- 
ence tenderness, heat and actual pain in the parts, which is ex- 
hibited either by positive lameness or a tendency to ease the hock 
by flexing it and resting the toe on the ground; when valuable 
young horses, between the ages of three and six years, are noticed 
frequently resting one leg in this way the hock should be carefully 
examined for palpable heat and the joint should be flexed and ex- 
tended to determine if there is any tenderness; if these are present 
it would certainly be acting on the safe side to suspect an incipient 
spavin; the treatment should be the same as that already recom- 
mended for the early stages of coming exostosis, namel}^ hot 
fomentations and the application of a lotion of Symphytum by 
means of hand-rubbing and a compress, at the same time admin- 
istering the remedy internally; there is good reason to believe that 
this line of treatment will allay the inflammatory action and arrest 
the formation of the spavin. In the case of a full}^ formed spavin 
that is the cause of lameness and requires treatment we strongly 
recommend pyro-puncture with a fine iron, great care being ob- 
served not to insert the instrument too near the articulation or 
serious and perhaps permanent damage would be effected. 

There is one man in England who claims the possession of 
knowledge by which he is enabled to remove a spavin, but the pro- 
cess is a secret one, nor do we, in our ignorance, see how such a 
process can be affected without causing an unwarrantable amount 
of pain and long suffering. 

Thoroughpin is another unsightly condition that frequently 
exists without producing lameness; it is due to the formation of 
an unnecessarily large quantity of fluid in the sheath of the flexor 
muscle of the foot, called the '' perforans;'' the fluid by pressure 
can be felt to move from inside to outside of the hock, at the back 
part thereof, hence the designation '' thoroiigJipin;"' treatment 
such as that recommended for curb will generally serve to disperse 



2 94 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

the superabundance of fluid and thus effect a cure; some practi- 
tioners recommend the puncture of the swelhng with an instru- 
ment to which a syphon is attached, thus enabhng the fluid to be 
drawn off; but, inasmuch as it speedily reforms again and the 
swelling is again as large as before, this does not commend itself 
to us as a satisfactory procedure; it is a surgical operation to be 
sure, and with some that fact goes a long way and is preferred to 
any less ostentatious methods, even though it does not effect a 
cure; we, however, prefer the more tedious process herein recom- 
mended, as it goes to the root of the matter and gets rid of the 
cause which produces the diseased condition. 

Capped Hock as it generally arises, consists of the formation of 
a serous abscess between the tendon that passes over the point of 
the hock and the skin; a rarer form of capped hock is that which 
appears as a swelling on either side the point of the hock that is 
due to an inflammatory condition of the sheath of the tendon that 
passes down in that position; in consequence of this inflammation 
there is superfluous amount of synovia formed which fills the 
bursa to overflowing; the same preparation and treatment gener- 
ally as that prescribed for curb will effect a cure; the ordinary 
allopathic treatment is to reduce the inflammation and then fire, 
putting on the while a high heeled shoe ; even in our homoeopathic 
practice this latter precaution is worthy of adoption as it throws 
the leg into a position that gives rest and ease to the parts, and 
in this way assists the treatment advocated. 

All parts below the hock as far as the foot are liable to similar 
injuries, so far as tendons, ligaments and bones are affected, as 
those described in connection with the fore limbs and the treat- 
ment is the same. 

We now pass on to the consideration of some of the chief 
points affecting the foot; we have no hesitation in affirming that 
by far the larger number of diseases to which the foot is prone are 
either due to or materially influenced by the barbarous practice of 
shoeing; we have satisfied ourselves by experiment and experience 
that for no class of horse is it necessary to put on a shoe of any 
sort whatever, provided the foot has never been manipulated by 
the shoeing smith, nor had a drawing knife used upon it; an intact 
foot is capable of bearing any wear whether on macadamized 
roads or paved streets that a horse can under fair and ordinary 



SPRAINS OF TENDONS, LIGAMENTS AND MUSCLES. 295 

conditions give it; we have heard it argued that the heavy draught 
horse could not start and move such loads as are required of him 
without the aid of calkins and toe pieces; our reply to this ob- 
jection is that any sound cart horse can start and move an}^ load 
whatever that he can reasonably be expected to draw, as well or 
even better without shoes than with them, because in that state 
he will plant his foot on the ground naturally; toe pieces and 
calkins enable an animal to move a heavier load than he could do 
without them, provided he learns to stick his toes against the 
artificially laid street pavements; this leverage, however, enables 
the horse to put more force and power into his efforts than his 
natural strength warrants; hence sprained tendons and ligaments, 
ruptured diaphragms and such like injuries follow. On stone, 
wood or asphalt pavements, such as are laid down in large towns, 
the natural character of the horny sole and frog renders it 
specially adapted to the obtainment of a firm grip and foothold, 
whereas so far as the stone and asphalt pavements are concerned, 
it is well known an iron shoe renders foothold impossible. 

To take another objection, it is said that carriage horses whose 
work lies mainly on country roads of the macadam t3^pe, on which 
are flint stones or sharp gravel, would soon wear away the horn, 
which would become abnormally thin; that the soles would not 
resist the bruising on round stones, and very shortly the animal 
would fall lame; this conclusion we affirm is h3^pothetical and 
incorrect; it is quite possible that the wall of the foot would, as it 
wore away, leave behind some fibres of incompletely w^orn horn; 
and that the foot would, if nothing worse came of it, look untidy; 
this objection is easily overruled; the frays of horn fibre could be 
rasped away ; or if some sort of shoe must be worn for the sake of 
neatness and show, then the Charlier tips could be adopted, which 
are mere bands of steel, the width of the wall in a groove of which 
they are seated flush with the surface of the sole so that a full 
bearing is obtained upon the sole and frog; this is the nearest 
artificial approach to nature. Hunters, steeplechasers and flat 
racers, in which class we include also trotters, invariably get over 
the ground better and more safely with nature's foot than they do 
with the artificial provisions of the shoeing smith; moreover, the 
accidents and injuries due to jar, concussion and sprain are 
infinitely less numerous when the sole, bars and frog are left un- 



296 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

touched by the knife* we are quite aware that the promulgation 
of such ideas does not meet with a favorable reception even by 
those w^hom it most concerns, and very naturally meets with the 
active opposition of shoeing smiths; these are features in the dis- 
cussion, however, which do not concern us; we have to advocate 
what we believe to be in the best interests of the horse and the 
horse owner, and fearlessly we affirm that horses generally would 
do far better without shoes, provided the foot has never been 
pared or cut wnth the drawing knife. 

Among the diseases affecting the foot are ossification of the 
lateral cartilages known as side bones: navicular disease, a 
very frequent cause of lameness among town-w^orked horses of the 
lighter class, due to inflammation of the small bone known as the 
' ' Clavicular, ' ' over which the tendon passes and plays like a pulley 
before it becomes inserted into the main bone of the foot; this 
condition can be recognized by contraction of the heels, and the 
short pottering style of action that subjects of this disease affect; 
it generally attacks both fore feet, and hence there is no drop- 
ping to indicate special lameness in a particular limb, a condition 
frequently availed of by ignorant or deceitful men to pronounce 
the animal sound; as the inflammation of the bone progresses, it 
ultimately results in an ulcerated, and consequently very sore, 
condition of the articulatory surface over which the perforans 
tendon plays; in this manner the diseased process extends to the 
tendon, the fibres of which become degenerated, and in the long 
run many of them are ruptured. When a horse is the subject of 
navicular disease, he may be observed, while in the vStable, point- 
ing first one foot and then the other; on coming out of the stable 
he will move like " a cat on hot bricks;" after going some dis- 
tance and '"getting warm,^' the worst features of the tenderness 
wear off, and the animal assumes a bolder style of action; let the 
horse, however, stand still for a time and get cool, and all the 
original cramped action recurs; further evidence of the existence 
of this diseased condition is presented by heat, tenderness and 
redness in the hollow of the heel, upon pressure being brought to 
bear on these parts; but the most conclusive evidence of its exist- 
ence is obtained from the peculiar stiff gait and stilty action that 
characterizes the movement of an animal suffering therefrom. 
The treatment of old-standing cases of navicular disease is very 



SPRAINS OF TENDONS, LIGAMENTS AND MUSCLES. 297 

unsatisfactory, and the prospects of success are extremely un- 
promising; if, however, it. can be detected in the earlier stages 
there is good reason to anticipate the realization of a successful 
outcome of the treatment we advocate; the most important matter 
for the owner to arrive at in the first instance is the detection of 
the incipient stage — that is, when the bone is becoming congested 
and before the inflammation has become thoroughly established. 
The question then arises, how is this point to be determined ? The 
process of development is slow and insidious, a point certainly in 
favor of treatment, if it is recognized in the early stages; and we 
should certainly recommend an owner to allow his suspicions to be 
aroused if a horse was observed pointing either one or both feet 
when standing in the stable; further, if an animal, on being 
brought out, went slightly lame for a short distance, after which 
the lameness gradually wore off; if the natural action of the horse 
showed a tendency to shorten; if there be occasional heat, tender- 
ness and redness in the hollow of the heel; if regular fast work 
seemed to intensify the tendency to temporary lameness; with 
these symptoms present we should certainly consider it wise 
to suspect incipient navicular disease, and especially so if there 
were neither splints nor corns present to affect the action of the 
horse. The treatment under such circumstances would involve a 
necessity for complete rest; the removal of the shoes; the horse 
should be compelled to stand in a bed of wet clay during the da}', 
and at night be allowed a bed of moss peat; when taken out of the 
wet clay, the feet and legs should be carefully washed, the hollow of 
the heels be thoroughly rubbed with Arnica lotion, usual strength; 
afterwards the heels should be well padded with tow saturated with 
the Arnica lotion and surrounded with an ordinary compress to keep 
the tow moist; for internal medication give ten grains of Silicea 6x, 
night and morning; this course of treatment should be continued 
regularly for a fortnight or three weeks; the horse should then be 
tried without shoes, and if the symptoms indicated as suspicious 
of navicular disease are discontinued and the animal goes sound, 
gentle work might be resumed; if not, the treatment had better be 
continued for a further period; but under no circumstances should 
a horse that has once gone lame from this cause be shod with 
ordinary shoes; resort should be had to the Charlier shoe in order 
to bring pressure upon the sole and frog, or the concussion and jar 



298 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

experienced with the ordinar}'- shoe will soon set up the diseased 
condition once again. 

In well-established cases of navicular disease, where the horse 
is in all other respects a useful animal and the owner is reluctant 
to destroy it, a blister round the coronet might be tried, the best 
agent being the Biniodide of mercury ointment, and that because 
mercur}' has a specific action upon bony tissue; we have not much 
faith in this procedure, at the same time it might be put to the 
test; if this proves useless and the desire to retain the services of 
the horse is very strong, we should recommend that a veterinary 
surgeon be called in to perform the operation of neurotom}', as 
by this means the horse would be rendered insensible to pain and 
might, at all events, do slow work; before determining to have 
the operation performed it is well to remember that occasionally 
unfavorable results follow it, such as rupture of the tendon, 
fracture of the navicular bone and sloughing of the hoof; if an 
owner is prepared to run the slight risk of these possible untoward 
results, the operation will certainly enable the horse to move with- 
out pain, and so long as the bisected nerve remains disunited no 
indications of lameness will be observable. 

lyAMiNiTis is probabl}^ one of the most painful diseases, while 
it lasts, to which a horse is subject; it is inflammation of the sensi- 
tive structures of the foot; a large proportion of these sensitive 
structures consist of laminae or leaves surrounding the pedal bone, 
which fit into corresponding horny laminae or leaves all round the 
homy wall; among these layers of leaves or laminae an enormous 
number of blood vessels are situated; this fact accounts in a great 
measure for the agonizing pain experienced by a horse that is 
the subject of this disease, as the blood vessels become engorged 
wdth an excess of blood, which of necessity results in considerable 
swelling of the sensitive structures, and these being enclosed 
within the unyielding w^all of horn, from w^hich there is no 
escape, great pressure is brought to bear upon them, the con- 
gested vessels can obtain no relief, hence the extreme pain and 
agon}^ All practical horsemen know that when a horse has been 
the subject of a severe attack of inflammation of the foot it is no 
unusual thing for the animal to have what is called "dropped 
sole," and it ma}^ be interesting to know how this comes about; 
whenever blood-vessels are congested with an undue quantity of 



SPRAINS OF TENDONS, LIGAMENTS AND MUSCI^KS. 299 

blood, a condition that precedes and attends inflammatory action 
in whatever part of the body it is present, an exudation of the 
fluid constituents of the blood takes place; this fluid, which escapes 
from the blood vessels must find room somewhere, and in laminitis 
it occupies the spaces between the sensitive and horny laminae; 
this exudate or fluid, as it increases in quantit}^ ultimately presses 
upon the anterior portion of the os pedis (bone of the foot) and 
so forces it in a downward direction, at which point the bone 
presses upon the sole, which as time goes on loses its normal con- 
cave shape and becomes convex, assuming the characteristic bulg- 
ing appearance and condition; the pressure which is thus brought 
to bear upon the sensitive sole interferes with its secretory powers 
and the horn becomes consequently degenerated and thin, ulti- 
mately resulting in protrusion of the pedal bone; a case that has 
gone to such extremes may fairly be looked upon as hopeless. 
Without, however, going to such an extreme, the inflammation 
by proper treatment may be induced to subside and the exudate 
which has been thrown out will become partially or entirely re- 
absorbed; but the most favorable cases and successful cures bear 
the distinguishing marks of laminitis by reason of an extension 
of the inflammation to the coronary band, the part vv^here the 
horn is secreted and grows, something like the quick of the nail, 
as it is called, in the human subject; this inflammatory process of 
the coronary band gives rise to that ribbed or ringed condition of 
the horn frequently observed on the hoofs of horses; we do not 
wish to imply that all horses that have ringed hoofs have been the 
subjects of laminitis, but when the rings are very prominent and 
noticeable there is some reason for suspicion, and a person before 
purchasing a horse with these marks should thoroughly satisfy 
himself that the animal is in this, as in all other respects, sound 
and in good health, and particularly note the condition of the 
soles, in order to be sure that they are of normal concave shape. 
Laminitis owes its origin to several causes, most of which are 
preventable by the exercise of ordinary care on the part of the 
owner and stableman; among the various causes are: standing in 
constrained position for a great length of time on board ship or a 
railway train; over exertion in hot weather; partaking of large 
quantities of heating or improper food, such as wheat; drinking 
cold spring water in large quantities when overheated or much ex- 



300 VETERINARY HOMOEOPATHY. 

hausted; exposure to a draught or chill of cold air; inflammation 
of the internal organs, such as the lungs and bowels, has been 
known to precede an attack of laminitis; sharp galloping on a 
hard road. Laminits may attack either the feet of the fore or 
the hind limbs, but it is rare for all four to be affected at one and 
the same time; the two fore feet are more frequently the seat of 
inflammation than the hind ones. 

Symptoms. — The horse is exceedingly lame and hardly capable 
of moving; when located in the fore feet these are advanced and 
what pressure is brought to bear on them is confined to the -heels; 
the hind feet are drawn forward and upon them, as much of the 
weight of the body as is possible is centred; the horse stands as 
it were '' all of a heap;'' when called upon to move the animal 
sways himself to and fro, rears up as it were on his hind legs, 
carrying the front legs forward with a swing and plants them on 
the ground very cautiously. When the hind feet are affected the 
horse stands with all four feet together under the median line of 
the abdomen. A horse Vv^ith laminitis rarely stands long at a time 
if the opportunity is afforded him to lie down. 

The pulse is rapid, 70 to 80 beats a minute; the respirations are 
quicker than usual, and with nostrils dilated he blows hard; the 
body temperature rises to 104 degrees or 105 degrees; the feet are 
exceedingly hot, and very tender to the touch when knocked. 

Treatment. — Aconite 3X, in the first place in hourly doses; 
indeed, except where complications arise, it is rarely requisite to 
give any other remedy while the fever lasts; w^e advocate the 
removal of the shoes, and putting the feet into hot water for a 
quarter of an hour, after which large poultices, consisting of equal 
parts of linseed meal and bran should be applied as hot as they can 
be born; outside the poultice, which should be rendered thoroughly 
moist and soft with plenty of hot water, a piece of waterproof 
material should be fastened to keep the application hot and moist; 
if two or three teaspoonfuls of the mother tincture of Aconite be 
added to the poultice w^here the same comes into apposition with 
the soft skin of the heel, much benefit will accrue; these poultices 
should be renewed, together with the fomentation of hot water 
three times in twelve hours. The bed upon which the horse 
stands when he does get on to his feet, should be some soft mate- 
rial like moss peat, and there should be plenty of it; but the ani- 



SPRAINS OF TENDONS, LIGAMENTS AND MUSCLES. 30T 

mal may be allowed with advantage to remain in a recumbent 
position as much as possible. After the fever and tenderness have 
passed awa}^, and the horse is able to stand and move about, a jet 
or stream of cold water for half an hour at a stretch may with 
advantage be allowed to play upon the feet, and this procedure 
should be repeated twice a day. As soon as the temperature of 
the body has gone back to 10 1 degrees and the general febrile 
symptoms have commenced to abate, recourse should be had to 
the application of Arnica lotion, by hand-rubbing the coronets 
therewith, and keeping the pasterns, coronets, and hoofs clothed 
with some thick, soft material, which should be constantly sat- 
urated with Arnica lotion; Arnica 3X should also be adminis- 
tered internally three or four times a day, to favor the speedy reso- 
lution of the exudate already referred to. Some weeks must be 
allowed to elapse after convalescence before any attempt is made 
to put on the shoes, otherwise a i elapse will probably take place, 
as the result of concussion which must be produced by nailing on. 

Sandcracks, Seedy Toe and Corns usually call for some 
surgical interference which a layman could hardly be expected to 
undertake; but thrush, which consists of the discharge of a foetid 
fluid from an unhealthy frog can best be cured by application of 
dry powdered Calomel din& the internal administration of Arseni- 
cum album 3x three times a day. 

Canker, or a diseased condition of the sensitive secretorj^ 
laminae of the sole, is a very intractible disorder that certainly de- 
mands surgical interference, which only a competent veterinary 
surgeon is capable of performing; by many it is considered an incura- 
ble disease; but very recently Mr. Malcolm, of Birmingham, pub- 
lished full particulars of a system of treatment which he had adopted 
with marked success among the horses under his care; ver}^ satis- 
factory confirmatory evidence having also been supplied by Mr. 
Edwin Faulkner, of Manchester, of the success which has fol- 
lowed his practice of this system; the details of this method 
appeared in \\\^ Journal of Pathology and Therapeutics, published 
by Professor Macfadyean, of the Royal Veterinary College, Lon- 
don; it would, however, serve no useful purpose for us to occupy 
space with describing the process, as the oi>eration is entirely be- 
yond the scope of an unprofessional man; if, however, the disease 
be detected in the early stages, it may be arrested by having the 



302 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

unhealthy horn carefully pared away, and the parts dressed with 
crude powdered white arse?iic, and the administration internally, 
three times a day, of Arsenicum album 3X; it may be necessary 
to pare awaj^ the unhealthy horn every day and to redress with 
the white arsenic as frequently, in order to keep the agent w^ell 
applied to the affected parts; pledgets of tow should be applied, 
and these ma}^ be kept in position by inserting crosswise strips of 
w^ood or iron and fixing same under the shoes; but this dressing 
must not be applied consecutively without intermission or it will 
destroy the secretive powers of the sensitive sole. Under such 
circumstances the animal need not remain idle, as some work is 
beneficial, exercise being advantageous; this, with good dry food 
and strict cleanliness in the stable, will contribute towards a satis- 
factory cure. So soon as the diseased process seems to be arrested, 
the sole should be dressed with tar, and pledgets of tow saturated 
also with tar, should be applied, so as to bring some pressure to 
bear upon the parts as the horse walks. 

QuiTTORS are due to injuries of the feet internally, whereby in- 
flammation, followed by suppuration, is set up; as the injury de- 
velops into suppuration, the matter which is unable to find an 
exit spreads, and small sinuses (or tubes) are formed, and extend 
until an abscess arises about the coronet; this bursts and leaves a 
little orifice out of which purulent and foetid matter exudes; as a 
rule this description of wound requires the attention of a skilled 
surgeon, for unless it is probed to the very bottom, and the neces- 
sar}^ applications are brought to act upon the whole course of the 
sinuses, whatever depth or direction they take, a cure is impossi- 
ble; to effect this thoroughly it is sometimes — nay, very often — 
necessar}" to lay them open with an instrument specially manu- 
factured for the purpose; when the sinus has been probed to its 
bottom, and if necessary laid open, the best dressing to be applied 
is a strong solution of Bichloride of Mercury, one part to eight of 
water, but to keep this in solution will require the addition of 
some Hydrochlo7 ic acid. 

A quittor is always productive of great pain and suffering, 
therefore complete rest is an absolute necessity. 

This will complete our consideration of diseases affecting the 
foot of the horse, as being sufficient for the purposes of this work; 
we have dealt with those most frequently occurring and easily 



SPRAINS OF TKNDONS, LIGAMENTS AND MUSCLES. 303 

recognized by the amateur horseman, and we are of opinion that 
no good purpose would be served by attempting to treat of the 
more occult and less frequently presented forms of disease that are 
occasion?illv the causes of lameness. 



DISEASES OF THE EYES. 



These are not of frequent occurrence in the horse, but when 
they do present themselves are mainly limited to three causes, 
viz., injuries due to blows; the presence of a foreign body, such as 
hay seeds or portions of chaff; and cold. In byegone times horses 
were frequently the subjects of inflammation of one or both eyes 
by reason of the unhealthy condition of stables; but since owners 
have awoke to the necessit}^ of stud3dng the comfort and well- 
being of their animals by providing more light and more sanitary 
arrangements the occurrence of this disease is rare. Ophthai^mia 
is a term generally used to define the presence of inflammation of 
the conjunctiva, a fine membrane that lines both the eyelids 
and the front of the eyeball; ophthalmia ma}^ arise as the result 
of an}^ of the causes we have already referred to; in former 
times one form of this disease was described as periodic ophthalmia, 
owing to the fact that it frequently recurred, but this we attribute 
to the unsanitary conditions of the stables, and the cause that 
provoked the first attack was likewise accountable for those that 
followed, and the repeated recurrence of the attacks were respon- 
sible for the production of complete blindness in cases not a few. 

Ophthalmia that is due to injuries — such, for instance, as the 
blow from a whip lash, or to the presence of a foreign body, is 
easily accounted for and with equal readiness successfully treated; 
the presence of a foreign body demands its careful removal, and 
once discovered, nothing answers better for this purpose than a 
bird's feather; after the removal is effected the organ should be 
fomented with hot water, and a weak lotion of Arnica, one in 
twenty, applied with a piece of sponge; when the inflammation is 
set up by a blow or an injury of any kind, frequent fomentations 
should be adopted and a compress of Arnica lotion, about one in 
twelve, applied; the compress can be kept in position by a piece 
of linen cut to the shape of the head with holes to pass over the 
ears and tapes to tie round the jaw. 

304 



DISEASES OF THE EYES. 305 

Ophthalmia which is due to cold or some constitutional cause, as 
is sometimes the case, requires treating according to general symp- 
toms, as follows: 

Aconite 3X when the pulse is quick, the skin dry and the tem- 
perature at all higher than normal. 

Belladonna 3X. — Evident pain, swelling and redness of the 
white parts; dryness of the membrane of the eyeball; intolerance 
of light. 

Euphrasia ix is par excellence the remedy when there is a pro- 
fuse secretion of tears; great sensitiveness to light; a tendency to 
rub the eye, as though it itched or stung, and especially when the 
lachrymal secretion flows down the nostrils. 

Argentum nitricu^n 3X for old-standing and chronic cases, when 
the lachrymal secretion is no longer thin, but has asumed a thick 
and purulent condition. 

Mercurius corrosivus 3X. — In acute forms of the disease, when 
the animal has an evident dread of light, and when the glands 
between the jaws and around the throat are swollen. 

Arsenicum album 3X for weak, emaciated animals, and when 
the inflammation is obstinate and intractable; the lachrymal secre- 
tion is acrid and as it were burns the skin over which it flows ; light 
aggravates the condition and produces an increased flow of the 
secretion; the horse shakes his head every now and again as 
though it experienced paroxysms of stabbing pain in the eyeballs. 

Accessory Measures. — The eyes should always and regularly 
be fomented with warm water, any agglutinated secretion should 
be carefully washed away, and when Aconite, Belladonna and 
Euphrasia are indicated, a compress saturated with a lotion of the 
remedy — about one in twelve — should be applied to the eyes as 
before directed. In those cases where Argentum nitricum is indi- 
cated a solution made by dissolving two grains of Nitrate of Silver 
in an ounce of distilled water should be introduced over the eye- 
balls and under the eyelids, with a camel' s-hair brush, night and 
morning. 

Parasites. — A worm is occasionally observed floating about in 
the humor of the eye, especially among horses in India and 
Canada; the symptoms are those of inflammation, there is an in- 
tolerance of light and the eyelids are kept closed; it is prevalent 
among horses that are allowed to run loose in low, humid situa- 
20 



306 VETERINARY HOMOEOPATHY. 

tions where stagnant water is found in abundance. The only 
satisfactory method of treatment in such cases is to puncture the 
e3'eball and allow the parasite to escape with the aqueous humor; 
this operation, however, should not be attempted b}^ a layman, or 
permanent injury to the organ would most probably be the result. 

Fungus H^matodes is a form of disease that we have on several 
occasions met with; it consists of a dark vascular tumor, of a 
m.alignant character, that forms at the back of the eye, and unless 
arrested spreads until the whole of the eyeball and sometimes the 
bones which help to form the socket of the eye are involved; the 
cases that have come under our notice were all so far advanced 
that we made no effort to treat them medicinally, but performed 
the operation of removal of the whole organ; and after the heal- 
ing of the parts was completed one case was furnished with an 
artificial eye that answered the purpose of concealing the unsighth^ 
appearance which an empty socket presents. 

Could the disease be discovered in its earlier stages, and before 
it had invaded the organ too far, we should think that Phosphorus 
3x and Hydrastis ix might be administered with some good pros- 
pect of arresting further development and so affecting a cure. 

Cataracts are opacities of the crystalline lens or its capsule, 
which prevent the ra3'S of light from passing on to the retina and 
thus produce complete blindness or imperfect sight; it is under 
the latter condition that horses are rendered somewhat dangerous, 
especiall}^ to inexperienced drivers, from the tendency to shy, a 
habit which is due to the inability of the animal to properly dis- 
cern various objects on the road. In this country cataracts are 
attributed to frequent attacks of ophthalmia; whether this is cor- 
rect or not we are unable to say; but we confess to being some- 
what sceptical about it ; on the other hand it is generally admitted 
that cataracts of one or both eyes develop independently of an}^ 
preceding inflammation; it is hardly possible to positively diagnose 
the presence of cataracts without the aid of the ophthalmoscope; 
the majorit}^ of veterinary surgeons claims to be able to recognize 
the condition without the aid of this instrument, but for our own 
part we prefer to rely upon more positive evidence than is obtain- 
able by trusting to our unaided sight. In the human subject 
cataract is said to be due to various causes, viz., to diabetes; to 
old age; in association with some established constitutional disease; 



DISEASES OF THE EYES. 307 

to injury; to matters congenital dating from birth; and to de- 
fective nutrition. As a rule cataracts develop slowly and gradu- 
ally and for some time the patient sees more or less distincth' ; if, 
however, a horse that had not previously been guilty of the habit 
of shying when on the road takes to doing so, it would be wise to 
have the eyes carefully examined by an experienced veterinary 
•oculist, and if in the opinion of such a practitioner a cataract is 
forming, medical treatment should be commenced; among oph- 
thalmic specialists, as a rule, surgical measures only are relied upon; 
the idea of dissolving the cataract and clearing up the lens through 
the instrumentality of internal medication is scouted as ridiculous; 
but as the result of our own experience, we are satisfied that such 
•a course of procedure is not only rational, but most hopeful; more- 
over, we have the experience of Dr. Burnett, of London, who has 
written a most interesting brochure upon the subject, that he has 
been instrumental in curing quite a number of well-established 
cases of cataract, and had we not had some success in this line 
among our own patients and had simply to rely upon the experi- 
ence of Dr. Burnett we should unhesitatingly advise the practice 
he so ably propounds; such experience as we have had has been 
among dogs, but we see no reason why, if the opportunity offered, 
the same line of treatment should not suffice for horses. The late 
Sir David Brewster appears to have formed the opinion that a re- 
lationship existed between salinity of the lens and the origin of 
cataract; this is a most singular fact, as Dr. Burnett seems to have 
arrived at a similar conclusion; nay, more than that, he advocates 
strongly that persons with a tendency to cataract should discon- 
tinue taking salt with their food, in the belief that salt tends to 
produce cataract; moreover, Natrum muriaticum (which is the 
liomoeopathist's name for salt when prepared as a remedial agent), 
in high attenuation, is the remedy which Dr. Burnett prescribed 
for several of the cases of cataract that he succeeded in curing, 
and it was this drug that we prescribed for and cured several dogs 
that were the subjects of undoubted cataract. Dr. Burnett, how- 
ever, with no uncertain sound, proclaims the absolute necessity of 
not relying upon any specific as a cure-all in different cases of cata- 
ract; he points out clearly, like the true homoeopath he is, that 
every case must be treated according to the totality of symptoms, 
not merely those that do exist, but those also that have existed 



308 VKTERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

years before; no doubt prescribing with such precision as this is 
all important in the human subject, while it is well. nigh impossi- 
ble among the lower animals; still it is gratifying to know by ex- 
perience that cases of this description do yield to medical treat- 
ment, because the surgical procedures now in vogue for the removal 
of cataract cannot possibl}^ be resorted to among our patients, and 
even if they could, we should never be adequately remunerated 
for performing them. 

Treatment. — Being satisfied that a horse is the subject of a 
cafa?^ad we should recommend the daily administration, first thing 
in the morning before any food or water are given, of Natrum 
muriaticum 12, twenty drops; continue this course of treatment 
for a week, and then discontinue for a week; alternating in this 
manner for one month; then have the eye examined by an inde- 
pendent oculist with a view to a report of the state of the eye, 
after which resume again; if at the end of two months no im- 
provement is apparent, we should resort to Silicea 30, tw^enty grains 
once daily for similar periods. Other remedies that have been 
recommended for cataractous eyes are Belladonna after an attack 
of ophthalmia; Calcarea carb. when the animal is naturall}^ ema- 
ciated and poor; Sulphur when chronic eruptions of the skin are 
present; Mercurius, Coniiun and Phosphorus^ the selection depend- 
ing of course upon any special symptoms to which these remedies 
are chiefly applicable in addition to those connected with the eyes 
more immediately. Entropium or inversion of the ej^elids, and 
ECTROPiUM or eversion of the eyelids, are occasional!}^, but rarely, 
observed in the horse; when they do so occur, the services of an 
experienced veterinary surgeon should be called in to perform the 
necessary operation for alleviation of these respective conditions^ 



DISEASES OF THE EARS. 



We have never, in the course of our experience, come across a 
case of disease of the ear in the horse, and with the exception of 
occasional injuries, there would appear to be nothing calling for 
special treatment in the organs of hearing among the equine race. 



309 



OCCASIONAL DISEASES. 



Poll Evil is due to injur}^ or violence brought to bear upon 
the top of the head; it may be caused by the willful act of some 
malicious person, or the horse itself may inflict an injur}^ bj^ sud- 
denly throwing up the head and striking it against a cross beam; 
\vhile by some it has been attributed to the habitual use of a Bear- 
ing rein. Whatever be the cause, the result is the same — namely, 
inflammation of the dense connective tissue which lies under the 
skin just behind the ears; as the consequence of the inflammation 
suppuration is established, a large swelling is formed that ulti- 
mately has to be opened or bursts spontaneously; in consequence 
of the lowly organized character of the dense tissues in and about 
this part of the head, and the tendency that suppuration has to go 
deeper and deeper among them rather than come to the surface, 
burst and discharge, it is always desirable, by means of hot 
fomentations and poultices to hasten on the maturation of the ab- 
scess and then open it with a free incision at the base of the swell- 
ing and thus allow the matter (pus) to escape. In some cases of 
long standing the natural tendency which pus has to burrow leads 
to the formation of deep-seated fistulous ulcers which take the 
form of tubular cavities about the size of a goose quill; therefore, 
when an abscess of this description has been freely laid open, it is 
still necessary to examine its base and sides with a vulcanite 
probe to discover if any of these sinuses exist; if so, they also 
must be laid open so that the imprisoned pus may obtain an exit 
and the whole of the walls of the sinuses be properly dressed. 
One good dressing of the solution of Bichloride of Mercury, the 
same strength as that used for quittor, will frequently serve to 
arrest the tendency to form pus and convert the w^hole into a 
healthy-looking wound; however, should the one dressing not 
suffice, it must be repeated at about half the strength, and should 
there remain any sinuses but incompletely laid open these should 
be carefully injected with the lotion by means of a glass syringe. 



OCCASIONAL DISEASES 3 II 

Fistulous Withers are precisely the same sort of disease 
process 2iS poll evil and resemble this morbid condition in all re- 
spects except the locality; the withers of some horses are so ex- 
ceptionally prominent that unless a saddle be expressly made for a 
particular animal it fails to fit properly, and contused bruises are 
the natural consequence. Treatment on the same lines as ior poll 
evil must be adopted; while in both diseases much benefit will 
accrue from the internal administration of Silicea 6x, three times 
daily until the wound is healed up. 



DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 



We shall make no attempt to arrange these diseases into any- 
thing like the orders and distinctions which are observed by 
dermatologists for the reason that the study of these disorders 
takes a much more simple form among horses than it does in the 
human subject; moreover, such forms as the veterinarian has to 
deal with among his patients seem to yield more readily to treat- 
ment than do many of the varieties observed in man; so far as our 
experience goes, and. we can, without rendering ourselves charge- 
able with egotism, claim to have had a fairly extensive one in this 
direction, we have found that a very large majority of cases of 
skin diseases in the horse are due to parasitic mange; once this 
gets foothold in a stable there is no telling when it will be got rid 
of, unless an owner is willing to subject himself to an infinitude of 
trouble, so infectious is this disease and so readily is it conveyed 
from one animal to another; at the proper place, when mange 
comes under consideration, we shall offer our schedule of instruc- 
tions, and provided they be carried out in their strict integrity, 
the disease may be eradicated from a stable but not without; one 
iota of omission will render all previous efforts fruitless and as 
though they had never been conducted. 

In the first place, we shall refer to those forms of skin disease 
which owe their origin and development to constitutional causes, 
and are of a non-infectious character. 

Erythema is an inflammator}^ redness of the skin of an uni- 
form character always attended by heat, and occasionally by 
swelling and irritation; this form of disease is due generally to 
cold, wet, friction and undue pressure. Cold, wet and frost are 
frequently accountable for the development of an erythema that 
results in the long run in crackkd heei,s and mud fever; the 
former requires no further explanation, but in the latter, which 
usually comes out as the result of wet and frost, the skin of the 
legs, arms, thighs and surface of abdomen are considerably swol- 

312 



DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 313 

len, the parts are irritable and tender; the flexures of the knees 
and hocks develop cracks, and occasionally a serous fluid exudes 
therefrom; these conditions are described commonly as mallen- 
DERS and SAi^LENDERS; under these circumstances constitutional 
symptoms are developed, as evidenced by an elevation of 
internal temperature and an abnormally rapid pulse, and until 
these febrile symptoms are relieved the local manifestations 
show no signs of abatement. 

Treatment. — Aconite 3X when brought on through cold, chill 
and wet; when temperature is elevated; the skin dry and hot, at- 
tended with some irritation and considerable burning; in the earlj^ 
stages. 

Rhus toxicode7idron 3X for itching and burning, going on to 
vesicular eruptions; and by means of external application of same, 
consisting of one part mother tincture, two parts of glycerine and 
nine parts of water, gently dabbed on with a sponge and the oper- 
ation repeated night and morning. 

Graphites 3X for cRx\cked heeIvS, mallenders and sai^len- 
DERS when the surrounding parts are dry and harsh and the 
cracks exude an excoriating discharge. 

Callendula 9 one part, glycerine two parts and water three parts, 
to be locally applied to cracked heels, and the cracks in Mali^en- 
DERS and Sai,i,enders; to be applied to the affected parts three 
or four times a day with a sponge. 

Urticaria is a form of skin disease not infrequently seen in the 
horse, consisting of various shaped swellings that form rapidly 
over any part of the body; the swellings var}^ in size from that of 
a pea to a walnut, having rather flat surfaces; the eruption is not 
unlike the wheals formed through the sting of a nettle, hence the 
common designation nettle rash; it is accompanied by a ting- 
ling irritation which causes the animal to bite and rub itself; it is 
considered to arise as the cause of some stomach derangement; 
and being very capricious, sometimes departs as rapidly as it 
came; in those cases, however, that last on and demand treat- 
ment it is not unusual to find a very fine outer layer of the skin 
peeling off after the febrile symptoms are abated, and following 
upon this the hair falls out in patches. 

Treatment. — Apis 3X in simple cases due to a slight chill or 
exposure in the burning hot sun. 



314 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

Urtica urens S applied locall}' as a lotion, one part of the drug 
to four parts each of meth3*lated spirit and water,- and internally 
the usual dose of the third decimal attenuation; this in uncompli- 
cated cases. 

Antimonhun a'udmn 3X when due to stomach derangement and 
the tongue is thickly coated with white fur. 

Bryonia 3X in cases where the rash comes out quickly and de- 
parts as rapidly onl}^ to come out again in a short time; this is 
described as sudden retrocession. 

Veratrum viride Q for outward application when the swellings 
or wheals are extremely tender and irritable; one part to four each 
of methylated spirit and water. 

Accessory Measures. — Much relief may be afforded by 
sponging the horse all over with hot water, as it soothes the irri- 
tation and renders the skin more amenable to the action of the 
local dressings. Exposure to sudden changes of temperature 
must, for a time at least, be avoided; great cleanliness in the body 
and general surroundings must be observed; moderate exercise 
must be given and no corn of a more stimulating character than 
oats is to be allowed. 

Simple Eczema — non-contagious and therefore non-parasitic — is 
characterized by more or less redness of a superficial kind, upon 
which small vesicles, about the size of a pin's head, form; these 
alternately burst, discharge a serous fluid, after which they seem 
to run together and over a more or less extended area crusts or 
scabs form and dry. Locally a good deal of heat and irritation 
prevails, and successive crops spring up. The chief point in the 
treatment is to commence as soon as the vesicles appear and before 
the}' burst and discharge. We have rarely found any remedy 
bej'ond Rhus toxicodendron necessary; so far as an}' drug can be a 
specific this is in simple eczema. Internal administration is, of 
course, a sine-qua-non, but this must be supplemented by the out- 
ward application of a lotion consisting of one part of the mother 
tincture to eleven of water and be frequently dressed over the 
affected areas; should the disease have fully developed and crusts 
or scabs have formed, an ointment consisting of Vaseline eight 
parts, Glycerhie two parts and Rhus tox. one part should be 
thoroughly blended together and applied carefully twice daily. 

Eczema Impetigixodes is a form of this eruption often seen 



DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 315 

in gross constitutioned cart horses that have much hair about their 
legs; It is commonly called grease; the disease generally origi- 
nates in the heels and hollow of the fetlocks; in the first place 
vesicles form^ these are rapidly followed by pustules, which burst 
and discharge a foetid, unhealthy pus; the hind limbs are gener- 
ally the seat of the eruption, which as it develops sets up an in- 
flammation in the connective tissue around the back tendons that 
produces considerable tenderness; here a further crop of pustules 
spring up, these discharge and the secretion irritates the skin 
over which it flows, producing superficial cracks and ulceration, 
until large fungoid growths are formed, commonly known as 
GRAPES; these fungoid excrescences are supposed to be due to the 
inflammation of the sebiparous (or sweat) glands, and ultimately 
— if unchecked or imperfectly treated — they become hard, rounded 
elevations. If through neglect this is allowed to go on and still 
further affect the leg, the fibrous tissue becomes alarmingly thick- 
ened until the legs are such a size that it is termed elephanti- 
asis. Whether their presence is accidental or otherwise there is 
no doubt that in cases of grease of long standing there are always 
present large numbers of ^vci2X\. parasites called acari, and before 
a cure can be effected some dressing must be applied, and that 
thoroughly, which is capable of destrojdng these parasites. 

The exciting cause, in the first instance, is doubtless dirt and 
neglect, while sometimes improper food may have something to 
do with it; but we believe the main cause to which it may be at- 
tributed is constitutional tendency. 

Treatment depends entirely upon the extent to which the 
disease has attained; in the first place, when from the offensive 
discharge, the heat and swelling, it is quite clear that the disease is 
thoroughly established, it is necessary to poultice the leg with boiled 
turnips; or with spent hops or linseed meal — anything, indeed, 
that has a tendency to soothe and soften the skin; after continuing 
this for a day or two the legs should be carefully washed with some 
non-irritating soap, thereafter dried as well as is possible and the 
long hairs cut off as closely as can be with a pair of scissors, after 
which an ointment of Benzoated zinc should be applied all over 
the affected parts; while internally Kali bicJiromicum 3X should 
be administered three times a day. If in a few days this does not 
arrest the formation of the offensive discharge and induce the 



3l6 VKTKRINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

sores to heal, a lotion, consisting of Bichloride of Mercury, one 
drachm dissolved in sixteen fluid ounces of boiling water, to which 
when cool, should be added four fluid ounces of Glycerine, should 
be carefull}^ applied three times a da^^ with a soft piece of sponge; 
this will effectually destroy all the acari that may be on the legs 
in about two days; a small quantity only of this lotion must be 
applied at one dressing, just sufficient to cover the whole affected 
surface, but not more, lest the Mercury should become absorbed 
into the s^^stem. After the acari are destroyed the treatment ex- 
ternally may revert to the Benzoated zinc ointment; but if this 
does not seem to do the desired good, while the itching and irri- 
tation is very intense, an ointment of Bismuth nitrate, one part 
to eight of prepared lard, while internally Croton tiglium ix 
should be administered three times a day. In old-standing chronic 
cases it will be better to give from the commencement Arsenicum 
album 3x, three time a day, and bathe the legs with a lotion made 
by mixing Liquor arsenicalis (B. P.), one ounce in a pint of dis- 
tilled water, and frequently applying same to the legs and that 
liber alh^ 

If the case has developed into one of grapes it will be well to 
try dressing the legs with a lotion consisting of equal parts of 
Tincture of Iodine, Methylated spirit and water, and to administer 
internally lodium 3X three times a day, after first cleansing the 
leg with poultices and washing for two or three days. 

Occasionall}', when the grapes are but small, Clematis 9, in- 
ternall}^, and externally as an ointment in the proportion of one 
part of the tincture to eight parts of vaseline, will be found effec- 
tual; it is hardl}^ possible to say which of these various methods 
of treatment is the best; it is not easy to differentiate between the 
cases, the constitutional symptoms do not enable one to readily 
distinguish between them, nor do they render an}^ aid in dis- 
criminating that which is most appropriate. 

Accessory Measures. — Much aid to treatment can be ob- 
tained from careful dietary; during the summer the food should 
be confined to artificial grasses: but in the winter carrots, pars- 
nips, turnips, or even mangold with sweet last season's hay chaff , 
and about one- fourth the ordinary allowance of corn (oats). 
Twice a week a mash consisting of boiled linseed, which has been 
gradually' simmering for three or four hours, mixed with a suffi- 



SCABIES — MANGE. 317 

ciency of bran, and if necessary, to make it palatable, a small quan- 
tit}^ of condiment like Thorley's food may be added. When the 
legs are washed soft water should be used. Out of door exercise 
is desirable when led by hand, but ordinary work should not be 
attempted. Great cleanliness must be observed in the stable, and 
if it can be obtained, moss peat should be used instead of straw 
for bedding. 

SCABIES— MANGE 

Is a contagious form of skin disease which is due to the presence 
of one of the minute microscopical animal parasites; of these there 
are three kinds which attack the horse; the sarcoptes, which bur- 
row under the epidermis into the substance of the skin; the 
SYMBIOTES which congregate in goodly numbers but only pene- 
trate the superficial layers of the epidermis; and the dermato- 
DECTES that cling about the hairs and bite the skin; the result of 
the irritation set up by these parasites is the production of a serous 
fluid and it is supposed to be this serosity which the creatures live 
upon. The sarcoptes^ from their habit of burrowing under the 
epidermis, render the methods of treatment more difficult, as the 
females lay their eggs in long channels or galleries, and unless 
the agent that is used for the destruction of the parasite pene- 
trates to the depth of these galleries and dissolves the eggs, they 
will in all probability hatch out in three or four days and a fresh 
batch of parasites be raised; for this reason it is occasionally 
necessary to dress a horse a second or even a third time. With 
the two classes called symbiotes and dermatodectes the treatment 
is much more simple, and, as a rule, one dressing suffices. The 
dermatodectic scabies is considered by some writers to be more 
frequent than either of the other two classes; our experience does 
not agree with this; certainly eighty per cent, of the cases we 
hare treated have been the sarcoptic scabies. 

Symptoms. — The neck and shoulders, mane and tail are the 
favorite haunts of these parasites; their presence is indicated by 
small lumps forming in the skin which soon burst and discharge 
an acrid fluid; this serous fluid dries and forms a scab; in a short 
time the skin feels thicker to the hand and assumes a wrinkled 
appearance; wherever the exuded fluid touches the surface of the 
skin, the hair falls off in considerable quantities; at all times the 



31 8 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

hair stands on end and gives the horse a ver}^ ill-favored appear- 
ance. These parasites ma}^ certainly be said to be prolific in their 
powers of reproduction; after sexual intercourse the female com- 
mences to burrow under the skin and is said to deposit one egg a 
day, the meanwhile boring her V7d.y under the epidermis; having 
formed a canal and deposited her ova, she dies; but the numerous 
eggs she has laid hatch out with the heat of the horse's body in 
about eight to ten da^'S, and by five weeks these 3^outhful parasites 
have attained sexual maturit}^ and immediately commence the 
process of reproduction ; from these facts it will be quite clear that 
onl3^ a comparatively short period elapses before a horse is covered 
with these troublesome guests; and it will also be apparent that if 
one sexually mature female is left behind after treatment, the 
whole process will have to be gone over once more, hence the im- 
perative necessity for thoroughness. The parasites will live for 
some weeks apart from their natural host, located in brushes, on 
the sides of stalls and mangers, among harness and clothing, 
indeed, anywhere or in anything that the original has come in 
contact with during the period of the attack of the mange; the 
most diagnostic S3'mptom of the sarcoptic variet}^ is the presence 
on the neck and shoulders of the semi-circular wrinkles or furrows 
in the skin. Of course, it goes without saying, that the itching 
and irritation is intense, provoking the poor horse to rub and 
gnaw himself continuall}^ and to stamp with his feet; indeed, at 
times it appears well nigh driven to distraction. 

Treatment of the horse itself; thoroughly saturate the coat 
from head to tail with the following compound mange dress- 
in o-, not leaving one hair without the application; allow the dress- 
ing to remain on three whole days and nights, after which the 
horse must be thoroughly washed with hot water and a non-irri- 
tating soap that lathers freeh', once a day for three successive days. 

Prescription, for mange dressing: Unguent Hydrarg. Fort., 
one ounce; Ol. Terebinth, eighteen ounces; 01. Pics, ten ounces; 
Hellebore Alb. pulv., one ounce; Sulphur Flav. pulv., two 
pounds; Bolarmenia, two ounces; dissolve the Unguent Hj^drarg, 
in the Ol. Terebinth, carefully, and add sufiicient 01. Lini to 
make up to seven pounds. This quantity is about sufiicient for 
dressing one full-sized draught horse. The dressing should be 
constantly shaken while being applied to the patient. 



SCABIE;S — MANGK. 319 

To treat the horse alone, however, will prove useless; all 
brushes and clothing that have been used for and about the 
animal should be burned; the stable ought to be fumigated by burn- 
ing powdered Sulphur over a charcoal fire; the windows, doors 
and apertures being thoroughly closed meanwhile; the fumigation 
should be kept constantly going for four or five hours; thereafter 
the walls, sides of stalls and mangers should be thoroughly 
washed down with a solution of Bichloride of Mercury, of the 
strength of one in five hundred; with this solution also the harness 
must be thoroughly washed, especially the collar and the saddle 
pads; also the shafts of the conveyance in which the animal ma}^ 
have been previously working; the clothing of the stableman who 
has been attending the horse, ought to be sent to the cleaners and 
properly treated, and under no circumstances should this man be 
allowed to touch other horses that are free from disease, until the 
patient is cured and his clothes are cleaned, for the contagion is 
readily conveyed through the medium of clothing. After the 
patient has been submitted to this course of treatment, it should 
be narrowly watched for two or three weeks, and in case of any 
symptoms of irritation remaining, the animal should again be 
subjected to a second course. Horses are occasionally troubled 
with i,iCK; there are three distinct varieties, but it is a very rare 
occurrence to find them upon the equine race unless they become 
infested through coming in too close contact with poultry, in 
which case no surer method of destroying the invaders can be 
suggested than a thorough dressing with the mange compound 
already given. A form of vegetable parasite of a contagious 
character, the tinea tonsurans, or ringworm, is not infrequently 
found among horses; it appears in the first instance in the form 
of small spots, which gradually increase and appear to run 
together or coalesce; ultimately a thin crust of oval or circular 
shape forms of a pale yellow color with raised edges. No little 
trouble is experienced to get rid of this disease, for it would 
appear that the development of the parasitic growth is fostered by 
constitutional tendencies, and it does not appear sufficient to 
simply use dressing that will destroy the fungus alone, the ad- 
ministration of internal remedies to render the soil less favorable 
to its growth is required. For local application nothing is better 



320 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

than blue Mercurial ointment; while internall}^, Arsenicum alburn^ 
Sulphur and Calcarea carb. may be administered with advantage. 

INTERNAL PARASITES. 

According to the late Dr. Cobbold, a well-known teacher of 
Helmintholog}^ at the Ro3-al Veterinar>^ College, in London the 
species of parasites that infest the horse are fairly numerous, but 
their importance in relation to disease is of less consequence than 
is the case with some other orders of domesticated animals. Tape 
worms are rarely found in the horse and are at all times compara- 
tively small in size. The most commonly found parasites, are the 
Ascaris Megalocephala a long roun^ worm, and the Oxyuris 
Curoula or maw worm; these, however, are with comparative 
ease got rid of; the former b}' a few doses of Aloes, followed b}^ a 
course of Sulphate of Iron in moderately substantial doses — say 
half a drachm every other day mixed with the usual medical 
aromatics; or from one to three ounces — according to the size of 
the animal — of Oil of Turpenii7ie mixed with linseed oil, from half 
a pint to a pint w^ill generally serve to destroy numbers of these 
large parasites. 

For the maw worm whose habitat is the rectum and colon, an 
enema of solution of Quassia three or four days in succession will 
generally dislodge these irritating little parasites, whose presence 
can always be determined, even though the worms are not 
observed among the faeces, by the w^hitish deposit round the 
fundament, the attention being first drawn to the horse con- 
tinually endeavoring to rub his tail against the sides of the stall. 
The internal administration of Ciyia 3X, night and morning, for a 
month consecutively has a very favorable influence on the consti- 
tution and doubtless produces such a health}^ state of the mucous 
membrane lining the intestinal canal, that the locality becomes 
unfavorable to the life and existence of these parasites. There is 
one torm of parasite designated the Strongylus Armatus which 
gives rise in old horses to aneurisms of the mesenteric artery; but 
its presence is not easily diagnosed with any certainty even by 
specialists, so that no useful purpose would be served b}' attempt- 
ing to suggest a prescription; were we to do so, seeing that it is 
included among the class of round worms, we should recommend 
a long course of Cina 3X on the principle already laid down. In 



INFI.AMMATION. 3^1 

the article upon the diseases of the eye passing reference was made 
to the occasional presence therein of a worm; this is designated 
the Filaria papulosa, and as already stated, the only method of 
disposing of this parasite is to remove it by operative surgery. 
Although it is almost universally deemed necessary to destroy the in- 
ternal parasite by the administration of some drug that will destroy, 
there is in this course of procedure an invariable attendant risk of 
either poisoning the host or producing in it the pathogenetic action 
of the drug; and we are much more favorable to the slower and 
more tedious process of treating the host with a long course of 
medicine in a moderate homoeopathic attenuation with a view to 
constitutional remedial action; as has already been said, to render 
the intestines or other locality an unfit place of habitation for the 
parasite, and so starve it out as it were, such a result we believe 
to be quite within the region of possibility, although the sugges- 
tion may make a considerable demand upon the credulit}^ of m^ost 
persons; it goes without saying, strong drugs cannot be adminis- 
tered for the destruction of worms without exercising some bane- 
ful influence upon the horse; for instance, although oil of turpen- 
tine will in all probability effectually destroy a large proportion of 
the worms present in the animal, there is a great risk of its 
setting up strangury. Aloes, in sufficient quantities and given 
often enough, will without doubt clear out the parasites, but its 
administration for this purpose is very likely to set up super- 
purgation or even inflammation of the intestines; it is therefore 
worthy of serious consideration of horse owners whether it is not 
worth a trial to dispose of these troublesome and undesirable 
guests by means of middle measures; as already indicated Cina 
3x is a successful remedy; Spigelia ix might also be put to the 
test, especially if giddiness, colic, lassitude and itching at the 
anus are marked symptoms. 

INFLAMMATION. 

We propose to offer a few suggestions upon the nature 
and character of this process, because in the first place it is 
frequently referred to in the course of this work, and also because 
such indefinite ideas concerning it prevail in the minds of laymen 
generally, the term laymen being adopted to distinguish between 

21 



322 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

those who have studied medicine and quahfied and those who 
have not. 

Inflammation, as used by horsemen, stablemen or even horse 
knackers, is apphed in the most general and vague manner to any 
serious case of illness among animals that proves fatal; if you 
inquire of a man what a horse died of, the answer as a rule is 
** inflammation;'' that word is used as a definition with which to 
conjure; it is referred to with awe-inspiring feelings, as though an 
animal that is once the victim of inflammation cannot possibly 
recover save by fire or at least a miracle. A horse dies, the 
carcass is removed to the slaughterers to be disposed of; on being 
opened it is discovered that the lungs are black in color, instead 
of a bright pink as m health; the blood vessels contain blood clots 
and the whole organ is otherwise surcharged with black-looking 
fluid; the slaughterman at once pronounces it inflammation, and 
the groom accordingly leaves to report this sage piece of informa- 
tion to the owner of the horse; he in his ignorance of this particu- 
lar subject, is perfectly satisfied. All the while there was nothing 
like the semblance of inflammation affecting these organs; they 
were congested with an excessive quantity of blood it is true; it 
may be that during life congestion to a certain extent existed, but 
not in so pronounced a condition as was revealed at the autopsy; 
the large quantity of blood observed in the lungs was the result of 
post mortem effects; it had, in point of fact, gravitated there; had 
a precise examination been made, it is more than probable that 
the lung on that side of the animal upon which it lay when dying 
was far the blackest, and contained the greatest quantity of 
clotted blood and serum, the result really of gravitation and noth- 
ing more; there was, in point of fact, no inflammation, either local 
or general. Perhaps the reader will say, well! if this is not in- 
flammation, pray what is inflammation, after all? So far as we 
can do so in plain, unconventional language, we will try to ex- 
plain; because it is of importance that he who treats his own 
horse should clearly understand that the process is a definite and 
precise one and not a sort of generalized condition that serves to 
cover all the most serious complaints to which animals are subject 
in one comprehensive name. Inflammation may be either 
GENERAL, wnen ine enure system is implicated, or local when 
some particular organ is the seat upon which ■i:;'^ main force is 



INFLAMMATION. 323 

concentrated. The exciting causes of inflammation are various, 
among which the following are included: Mechanical injury, the 
result of a wound or bruise; chemical irritants, as when a can- 
tharides blister is applied to the skin; excessive heat or cold, as 
when an animal is exposed to sudden and extreme changes of 
temperature; and the introduction into the system of deleterious 
animal products like bacteria. 

We have already stated that inflammation may be either general 
or local; after we have attempted to explain the actual changes 
that take place as the result of inflammation, or rather that are 
dependent upon the condition known as inflammation, it will be 
seen why it is that inflammation of the local order occurs much 
more frequently than the general; by this w^e wish to be under- 
stood as meaning that special organs, as the lungs, kidneys, liver, 
et cetera, and very frequently only limited areas of these organs 
are more often the seat of the changes involved in the inflam- 
matory process than the body generally. The changes which 
take place in the process called inflammation involves, ist. The 
blood, the blood vessels and the circulation of the blood. 2d. 
The tissues through which the blood vessels so affected ramify 
and extend. 

In the first place we must remind the student what the compo- 
sition of the blood is; and in so doing shall refer only to its three 
principal constituents: ((2) The liquor sanguinis or fluid portion; 
{b) the red corpuscles, and (<:) the white corpuscles or leucocytes. 
The red corpuscles are circular, convex at the edges, and concave 
at the centres; they form about forty per cent, of the entire mass 
of the blood, and are the cause of its color and density. The 
white corpuscles are far less numerous than the red, and in com- 
parative weight much lighter, evidence of which appears when 
blood coagulates or forms into a clot, the light colored portion al- 
ways coming to the top; the shape of a white corpuscle varies 
considerably; if a single drop of blood is placed upon a glass 
slide, covered with a slip, and thereafter examined under a micro- 
scope, the red blood cells will be easily discerned by their shape 
and also by their movements, they keep up a continual stream, by 
rapidly passing from one end to another of the slide, while the 
white corpuscles adhere to the sides of the slide 

Whatever may be the cause of iuflannnation its consequences 



324 VETERINARY HOMCeOPATHY. 

are, as regards the blood vessels, arteries and veins, more or less 
dilatation, which gradually increases for some hours and then for 
awhile remains stationary. The circulation of the blood in the 
affected area is marked by increased rapidity in the early stages; 
after an excess of blood has flowed into the affected area a change 
takes place; the rate of flow slows down and ultimately this is 
followed by stagnation; an unusually large number of red cor- 
puscles are crowded into the space so invaded; this is the state of 
affairs so far as the central area is concerned; just outside the 
affected zone there is an area in which the circulation is observ- 
able, though sluggish in character, while on the outside of all the 
current of blood keeps up a rapid circulation, as though to com- 
pensate for the sluggish and stagnant condition of the central 
portion. In the blood itself important changes are effected; the 
white corpuscles accumulate in the vessels, especially the veins, 
and consistent with their natural tendency, they adhere to the 
walls until layer after layer is formed and the lumen of the vessel 
is blocked up, thus bringing about a stoppage of the blood flow; 
after a time it would seem that they migrate and ultimately force 
their way through the walls of the blood vessels; their ability to 
effect this change of location is due doubtless in no light degree 
to their capacity of effecting an alteration in shape; as liberated 
white corpuscles they are known by the name of leucocytes^ under 
which condition they wander about among the surrounding tissues; 
the red corpuscles are endowed with similar capacity to segregate 
together, and to effect a passage through the walls of the blood ves- 
sels, chiefly the capillaries, whose walls are of much more delicate 
fabrication than either arteries or veins; at the same time they do 
not migrate so freely as do the white corpuscles. The liquid por- 
tion of the blood (or at all events some of its consistent elements) 
exudes through the vessels and spreads itself over the surround- 
ing tissues. Now! what about the tissues through which the 
blood vessels pass and among which the blood, that has wandered 
out of the vessels, has become distributed; passing reference must 
be made to the fact that muscle, skin, mucous and serous mem- 
branes, and all other tissues when reduced to their primary 
elements consist of cells; it is thCvSe cells that the inflammatory 
process acts upon, either destroying them entirel}^ or so interfer- 
ing with their nutrition that they are starved and die; this fact 



INFLAMMATION. 325 

will be better understood if we call to raind that the skin, over an 
inflamed sore, dies and peels off; this serves as an illustration of 
the result of inflammation when it proceeds to extremes or is not 
arrested by medical treatment. The foregoing is a rough and 
ready statement of what takes place during the development of 
inflammation; but when the process is arrested or stays its pro- 
gress of its own accord, what becomes of the blood corpuscles, 
white and red, et cetera, which have got out of their normal 
channel and are hence nothing less than foreign products among 
the other tissues ? 

Something must be done with them; they must either be re- 
stored to their original locality or be disposed of in some way. 
The term resolution is applied to the change which has to take 
place in order that nature may be restored to her original state; 
resolution consists of a subsidence of the vascular disturbance; the 
absorption of the exuded elements; the corpuscles have to undergo 
a change, similar to fatty degeneration, to enable them to be re- 
absorbed into the blood vessels. The fluid portions of the exuda- 
tion that are not resolved in the manner referred to may, according 
to their characteristics, remain among the tissues or collect into a 
given space; while these and the corpuscles also develop pus and 
bring about what is known as the suppurative process; the pus 
collects in cavities, or invades the substance of tissues and organs, 
forming abscesses; while still further results of inflammation may 
be enumerated in softening and general destruction of affected 
tissues; thickening and induration of tissues; ulceration and death 
of the affected parts. 

Whether we have succeeded in producing anything like an 
understandable explanation of what is involved in the inflamma- 
tory process or not, we trust that, at least, it is made plain that 
by inflammation of this organ or that, something more than a 
commonplace change has been effected, and that the term is not a 
mere vague expression without any definite characteristics of its 
own. 



CODE OF COMMON 
SUGGESTIVE SYMPTOMS. 



Abscesses, internal. — Blood Poisoning, Pneumonia, Pharyn- 
gitis. 

Abscesses on body. — Blood Poisoning. 

Abscesses at root of tooth. — Caries. 

Abdomen, enlarged and pendulous. — Dropsy. 

Action ^vhen lifting legs sharp and jerky with very cau- 
tious putting down of the feet. — Shiverer. 

Anxious countenance. — Congestion of Eungs, Asthma, Gas- 
tritis, Rupture of Stomach, Peritonitis. 

Appetite capricious. — Chronic Glanders, Indigestion, Drops}^ 
Diabetes Insipidus. 

Appetite, loss of. — Simple Fever, Bilious Fever, Erysipelas, 
Glanders, Weed, Eymphangitis, Purpura, Bronchitis, Pneumonia, 
Newmarket Fever, Possible Poisoning, Dysentery, Congestion of 
the Eiver. 

Blood dark, does not form clot. — Blood Poisoning, Purpura. 

Blood spots, small on nasal membrane. — Purpura. 

Blood oozes from swellings about body. — Purpura. 

Blood drips continuously from s\vellings. — Purpura. 

Body covered with patches of cold sweat. — Congestion of 
Eungs, Palpitation, Bowel Obstruction, Crebro-spinal Meningitis. 

Bones of the face bulge out. — Advanced Nasal Gleet. 

Breathing becomes weak with deep sighing. — Rupture of 
Stomach. 

Breath drawn in easily and quickly. — Asthma. 

Breath foul. — Bilious Fever, Erysipelas, Caries. 

Breathing irregular. — Carditis, Meningitis, Cerebro-spinal 
Meningitis. 

Breath expired with difficulty. — Asthma, Heart Disease. 

Breathing rapid and distressed. — Pleurisy, Newmarket 

327 



328 VETERINARY HOMCBOPATHY. 

Fever, Palpitation, Carditis, Spasm of Diaphragm, Flatulent Colic, 
lyOck-jaw. 

Breathing quickened — Simple Fever, Bilious Fever, Stran- 
gles, Erysipelas, Glanders. Farcy, Anthrax. Rheumatism, Weed, 
Lymphangitis, Rabies, Purpura, Common Cold, Laryngitis, 
Bronchitis, Pneumonia, Newmarket Fever, Aneurism, Congestion 
of the Liver, Mammitis. 

Champing and grinding of teeth. — Lock-jaw. 

Cheeks swollen. — Calculus in Parotid Duct (see under 
Parotitis). 

Choke, tendency to, from swelling around throat. — Pur- 
pura. 

Constipated bowels. — Bilious Fever, Purpura, Pneumonia, 
Newmarket Fever, Enteritis, especially in Foals, Diabetes In- 
sipidus, Cerebritis, Meningitis. 

Constipation accompanied with dry cough — (See under 
Nitric Acid and Alumina article on Constipation). 

Convulsive struggles. — Anthrax, Vegetable Poisoning. 

Cough soft. — Strangles, Glanders, Common Cold, Broken 
wind. 

Cough hard and dry. — Laryngitis. 

Cough short and dry. — Bronchitis. 

Cough moist. — Pneumonia. 

Cough short and catchy. — Pneumonia. 

Cough difficult and painful. — Pleurisy, Asthma. 

Cough excited by exercise, eating or drinking. — Broken 
Wind. 

Cough accompanied by passing of wind per anum. — Broken 
Wind. 

Cough varied. — Sore Throat. 

Delirium. — Anthrax. 

Discharge of blood from natural outlets. — Anthrax. 

Difficulty in swallowing. — Sore Throat. 

Drink, constant desire to. — Temple Fever, Bilious Fever, 
Lymphangitis, Weed, Common Cold. 

Dropsical swelling of legs and abdomen. — Dilatation of the 
Heart. 

Drumlike state of abdomen. — Flatulent Colic. 

Dropsical effusions in the breast. — Nephritis. 



CODE OF COMMON SUGGESTIVK SYMPTOMS. 329 

Dropsical effusion of the penis. — Nephritis. 

Dullness, lifelessness. — Chronic Glanders, Bronchitis, Pneu- 
monia, Dropsy, Congestion of the Liver. 

Emaciated condition. — Aneurism, Dysenterj^ Diabetes In- 
sipidus. 

Endeavors to balance itself on its back. — Enteritis. 

Eructation of gas by the mouth. — Gastritis, Indigestion. 

Eyes, watery discharges from. — Common Cold, Pneumonia. 

Eyes, staring and bloodshot. — Cerebritis, Meningitis, Cere- 
bro-spinal Meningitis. 

Eyes, swollen and red. — Influenza, Common Cold, Conges- 
tion of Lungs, Pneumonia. 

Eyelids, swollen and diffused. — Gastritis. 

Exhaustion, indications of. — Blood Poisoning, Asthma. 

Exhaustion and distress. — Carditis. 

Fsecal evacuations very foetid. — Dysentery. 

Faecal evacuations with blood. — D3^sentery. 

Faeces light-colored. — Bilious Fever. 

Fore legs set wide apart. — Pneumonia, Palpitation, Lock-jaw. 

Fore leg flexed and resting on toe. — Rheumatism. 

Food not digested. — Bilious Fever. 

Food imperfectly masticated dropped in manger. — Caries. 

Frequent ineffectual attempts to lie down. — Colic, Flatu- 
lent Colic. 

Giddiness. — Erysipelas. 

Glands between back of jawbone and neck (parotid) 
swollen. — Parotitis. 

Glands parotid, swollen. — Laryngitis. 

Glands between jaws swollen and hard — Glanders, Nasal 
gleet. 

Glands between jaws swollen and soft. — Strangles, Nasal 

Gleet, Laryngitis. 

Great excitability. — Rabies. 

Grunting on being turned round. — Pleurisy. 

Gums swollen and tender. — Lampas. 

Head turned (either side) pointing to region of uterus. — 
Metritis. 

Head, inability to move sideways. — Parotitis. 



330 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

Head turned to off side pointing to region of liver. — Con- 
gestion of Liver. 

Head hanging down. — Congestion of Lungs. 

Head leaning on manger. — Brain, Teeth, Caries. 

Head pressed against wall. — Anthrax, Indigestion with 
stupor. 

Head poked straight out, — Laryngitis, Pneumonia, Indiges- 
tion, Lock-jaw. 

Heaving at the flanks. — Influenza, Pneumonia. 

Hiccough. — Spasm of Diaphragm. 

Hind limbs flexed and resting on toe. — Rheumatism. 

Hind legs, stiff"ness of, dragging gait. — Nephritis, Shiverer. 

Hind fetlock joints knuckle over. — Constipation, Strain of 
Psoas Muscle. 

Hind quarters pressed against wall of stable. — Bowel Ob- 
struction. 

Impatient of pain. — Bowel Obstruction. 

Inability to swallow. — Strangles, Laryngitis, Glossitis, Caus- 
tic Irritation, Lock-jaw. 

Inability to open mouth. — Lock-jaw. 

Joints swollen, hot and tender. — Rheumatism. 

Jugular pulse. — Dilatation of the Heart, Carditis. 

Leaden hue of mucous membrane of nostrils. — Glanders, 
Farcy. 

Leg swollen. — Dropsy. 

Legs and body deathly cold. — Congestion of Lungs. 

Legs and ears very cold. — Pneumonia, Newmarket Fever, 
Dilatation of Heart, Enteritis, Congestion of the Liver. 

Lips and cheeks swollen. — Lampas. 

Liquid returns through nose while drinking. — Obstruction 
of Gullet. 

Licking stable walls. — Gastritis, Indigestion. 

Lies dow^n for a few minutes only at a time. — Dropsy. 

Lips on either side hang pendulous. — Hemiphlegia. 

Loins and thighs, muscular spasms of. — Azoturia, Shiverer. 

Loins tender on pressure. — Metritis, Mammitis. 

Looking round at flanks. — Influenza, Gastritis, Bowel Ob- 
struction, Nephritis. 

Loss of condition. — Glanders, Farcy, Indigestion. 



CODE OF COMMON SUGGESTIVE SYMPTOMS. 33 1 

Masticate, inability to. — Paralysis. 

Makes a noise in breathing. — Roaring, Polypus. 

Mare after foaling rests full upon belly, knees, and hocks 
well under. — Retention of After-birth. 

Mare stamps her feet, swishes tail, and postures to 
urinate. — Retention of After-birth. 

Membrana nictitans of eye moves spasmodically. — Lock- 
jaw. 

Mouth (fry and hot. — Enteritis. 

Mouth and tongue cold and clammy. — Rupture of Stomach. 

Movements of hind legs cannot be controlled. — Azoturia. 

Mouth hot and clammy. — Erysipelas. 

Movements cannot be controlled. — Influenza, Anthrax, 
Rabies, Cerebro-spinal Meningitis, Shiverer. 

Muscular spasms in various parts of the body. — Cerebro- 
spinal Meningitis. 

Muscles hard and unyielding. — Rabies, Lock-jaw. 

Nasal membrane red and dry. — Common Cold, Bronchitis. 

Nasal discharge thick and viscid. — Chronic Glanders. 

Nasal discharge rusty colored. — Pneumonia. 

Nostrils dilated. — Influenza, Pneumonia, Lock-jaw. 

Nose rested on seat of pain. — Bowel Obstruction. 

Nose mucus discharge clotted. — Nasal Gleet. 

Nose discharge mixed with blood. — Nasal Gleet. 

Nose elevated. — Laryngitis. 

Nose discharge yellow. — Newmarket Fever. 

Noise creates excitement. — Rabies. 

Paddling with the hind feet. — Traumatic Peritonitis, Cys- 
titis. 

Pain, paroxysms of. — Colic. 

Pain and great uneasiness. — Rupture of Stomach, Bowel 
Obstruction. 

Pain in abdomen, constant. — Enteritis, Peritonitis. 

Persistent pa'wing of fore leg but does not roll. — Gas- 
tritis, Indigestion, Mineral Poisoning, Colic, Traumatic Peri- 
tonitis. 

Penis, sheath of, excessively swollen — cannot protrude 
when urinating. — Phimosis. 



332 VETERINARY HOMCEOPATHY. 

Penis protrudes beyond sheath, cannot retract — Paraphi- 
mosis. 

Pointing with nose to seat of pain. — Weed, Peritonitis. 

Prostration. — Influenza, Erysipelas, Carditis, Dysentery. 

Protrusion of the anus. — Bowel Obstruction. 

Pulse rapid. — Simple Fever, Bilious Fever, Strangles, Influ- 
enza, Erysipelas, Rabies, Glanders, Farcy, Rheumatism, Blood 
Poisoning, Weed, I^ymphangitis, Purpura, Common Cold, I^aryn- 
gitis. Bronchitis, Pneumonia, Newmarket Fever, Dysentery, Con- 
gestion of the Liver, Nephritis, Azoturia, Mammitis. 

Pulse rapid, but weak. — Anthrax. 

Pulse rapid and hard. — Pleurisy, Cerebritis, Meningitis, 
Cerebro-spinal Meningitis. 

Pulse rapid and full. — Carditis, Metritis. 

Pulse rapid, small, and wiry. — Pneumonia, Gastritis, Bowel 
Obstruction, Enteritis, Peritonitis. 

Pulse rapid, small, and weak. — Congestion of lyungs. 

Pulse soft and weak. — Diabetes Insipidus. 

Pulse weak and intermittent. — Dropsy. 

Pulse quick and thready. — Peritonitis. 

Pulse intermittent and irregular. — Palpitation, Dilatation of 
the Heart, Carditis, Aneurism. 

Pulse tumultuous. — Palpitation, Spasm of Diaphragm. 

Refuses to be handled about mouth. — Lampas. 

Region of liver just behind last rib, tenderness on pres- 
sure. — Congestion of Liver, Nephritis. 

Respirations thoracic. — Influenza, Flatulent Colic, Periton- 
itis, Dropsy. 

Resting on breast bone. — Indigestion. 

Restlessness and uneasiness. — Cerebritis, Colic, Meningitis, 
Nephritis, Peritonitis. 

Rolling and stretching. — Enteritis. 

Roof of mouth swollen. — Lampas. 

Rolls frequently. — Indigestion, Bowel Obstruction. 

Running at the nose and eyes. — Strangles, Influenza. 

Saliva dripping from mouth. — Anthrax, Caustic Glossitis, 
Influenza, Lampas, Lock-jaw, Foreign Substances in Gullet, 
Gastritis, Mercurial Poisoning, Rabies, Parotitis, Strangles. 

Sediment in urine. — Rheumatism. 



CODE OF COMMON SUGGKSTIVK SYMPTOMS. 333 

Shaking. — Anthrax, Gastritis. 

Shivering fits. — Simple Fever, Bilious Fever, Congestion of 
lyUngs, Carditis, Dysentery, Enteritis, Peritonitis, Pleurisy, Pneu- 
monia. 

Staring coat. — Simple Fever, Bilious Fever, Influenza, Ery- 
sipelas, Glanders, Farcy, Common Cold, Nasal Gleet, Bronchitis, 
Congestion of Lungs, Indigestion, Dropsy, Diabetes Insipidus. 

Standing position persistently maintained. — Carditis, 
Gastritis, Hemiplegia, Metritis, Pneumonia. 

Stiff gait. — Rheumatism. 

Stiffness in turning. — Aneurism. 

Stupor with partial unconsciousness. — Indigestion. 

Stiffness and soreness. — Influenza. 

Straining to evacuate. — Bowel Obstruction. 

Swelling of head, nostrils and lips. — Purpura. 

Swelling or distension down groove of neck. — Gullet. 

Swelling of legs. — Erysipelas, Aneurism, Influenza, Weed, 
Rheumatism. 

Swelling about legs and body w^ith exudation of fluid and 
blood. — Erysipelas, Weed, Purpura. 

Swelling underneath abdomen that pits on pressure. — 
Dropsy. 

Swelling of abdomen with exudation of blood. — Anthrax. 

Swelling of hind legs, high up extending downwards. — 
Lymphangitis. 

Sweating — Anthrax, Carditis. 

Swelling of skin, tense, bright red and shining. — Erysipe- 
las, Weed. 

Swishing of the tail. — Cystitis. 

Temperature below normal. — Diabetes Insipidus, Mineral 
Poisoning. 

Tail, jerky twitching of. — Lock-jaw. 

Temperature heightened. — Bilious Fever, Simple Fever, 
Weed, Strangles, Influenza, Rabies, Erysipelas, Glanders, Farcy, 
Lymphangitis, Rheumatism, Blood Poisoning, Purpura, Common 
Cold, Laryngitis, Bronchitis, Pneumonia, Newmarket Fever, 
Pharyngitis, Enteritis, Dysentery, Peritonitis, Nephritis, Azoturia, 
Metritis, Mammitis, Cerebritis, Meningitis. 

Tenderness over region of liver. — Bilious Fever. 



334 VETERINARY HOMOEOPATHY. 

Tenderness on pressure over the loins. — Aneurism, Neph- 
ritis. 

Tenderness on pressure of abdomen. — Enteritis, Peritonitis. 
Testicles shrunken in size. — Impotence. 
Thirst very great. — Bilious Fever, Simple Fever, Lymphan- 
Throat swollen. — Laryngitis. 
Throat sore. — Common cold- 
Tires quickly with little work. — Indigestion, Nasal Gleet. 
Tongue dry and brown. — Primary' Glossitis. 
Tongue swollen and protruding. — Primar}^ Glossitis. 
Tongue swollen and whitish. — Caustic Irritation, 
gitis, Weed, Common Cold, Bronchitis, Dysentery. 

Turning constantly to one side in "walking. — Hemiplegia. 
Udder swollen, hard and shining, the swelling extending 
along abdomen. — Mammitis. 
Ulcers on legs. — Farc3\ 
Unconsciousness. — Anthrax. 
Urine, inability to pass. — Colic, Metritis. 
Urination, posing for. — Colic, Renal Congestion, Nephritis. 
Urine, suppression of.— Renal Congestion, Nephritis. 
Urine, high-colored. — Simple Fever, Bilious Fever, Influenza, 
Purpura, Pneumonia, Carditis, Indigestion, Dropsy, Mammitis. 

Urine diminished in quantity. — Simple Fever, Bilious Fever, 
Influenza, Pneumonia, Carditis, Indigestion, Drops}^, Mammitis. 
Urine increased in quantity. — Glanders, Farc}^ 
Urine coffee colored. — Azoturia. 
Urine pale in color. — Glanders, Farc3\ 

Urine -watery constituents excessive. — Diabetes Insipidus. 
Urine mixed with blood constantly dribbles from vagina. — 
Cystitis. 

Variable action of the bowels. — Indigestion. 
Visible mucous membranes greyish-blue color. — Diabetes 
Insipidus. 

Visible mucous membranes pallid. — Rupture of Stomach, 
Dropsy. 

Visible mucous membranes yellow. — Congestion of the 
Liver. 

Visible mucous membranes red and injected. — Cerebro- 
spinal Meningitis. 



CODE OF COMMON SUGGESTIVE SYMPTOMS. 335 

Vomition. — Ruptured Stomach. 
^A^astlng of muscles. — Diabetes Insipidus. 
Womb, mouth of, closed. — (See under Parturition.) 
Yellow appearance of mucous membranes. — Bilious Fever, 
Influenza. 



GENERAL INDEX. 



A 

Abdominal Breathing, Charac- 
ter of 

Abortion 238, 240, 

Acari 

After-birth . . 

Air, Ingress of 

Air, Egress of 

Allopathy and Homoeopathy, 
Their Distinction ... 

Allopathy Has no Guiding Prin- 
ciple 

Allopathists, How They Pre- 
scribe 

Allopathic Prescribing Un- 
certain . . 

Allopathic Prescribing Is Not 
Precise 

Allopathic Prescribing, Why it 
Fails 

Anthrax 

Aneurism 

Antidotes 

Aorta 

Artery and Vein, How to Dis- 
tinguish 

Arteries 92, 135, 

Arthritis 

Asthma 

Ascites 

Astringents 

Ascaris Megalocephala .... 

Atrophy 

Attenuation, The Meaning of . 

Attenuation, The Advantages 
of 

Attenuation, Processes of . . • 

22 



26 

250 

315 

237 

16 

16 



VI 

xi 

xii 

xii 

xii 
72 
146 
165 
135 

24 
146 
248 
126 
197 
207 
320 
146 

35 

35 
35 



Attenuation, Action of Drugs 

Developed by 36 

Attenuation, Comparative 
Strength of Drugs Devel- 
oped After 38 

Attenuation, Physiological Ac- 
tivity Produced by ... . 40 
Attenuation, Drugs Rendered 

More Active by 41 

Auscultation of Chest . . 27, 119, 142 

Auscultate, How to 27 

Auscultation Practice on 

Healthy Animals Desirable, 27 

Auto-inoculation 69 

Azoturia 227 

B 

Bacillus Anthracis 73 

Balling Instrument 154 

Barrenness 240, 253 

Back Sinews 286 

Belching Up Wind 173 

Bladder, Inversion of 226 

Blowing 25 

Blood Poisoning 82 

Bone vSpavin 291 

Bog Spavin 291 

Bronchitis . no 

Brain 32 

Breathing Rapid, an Indication 

of Coming Illness .... 25 
Breathing, Differences in Char- 
acter of 26 

Breathing, Different Sounds of . 27 

Breathing, Modifications of . . 27 

Uroken Wind 126 

Broken Wind, How Indicated . 26 



337 



338 



GENERAI, INDEX. 



Broken Knees 287 

Broncho-pneumonia 115 



Cataract 306 

Canker 301 

Calculus 179, 180, 227 

Calculus, Possible Presence of . 32 
Calculus, Symptoms Suggestive 

of 32 

Capped Hock 294 

Catarrh 97 

Capillaries 133 

Carditis 140 

Caries I53 

Canula 188 

Canon Bones. 285 

Centicimal Scale 36 

Cerebritis 266 

Cerebro-spinal Meningitis ... 268 

Chyle 89 

Chorea 275 

Chorde Tendinse 14? 

Circulator}' System 132 

Cleanliness of Stable, Reasons 

for and Importance of . . - 16 
Cleanliness, Danger Where Neg- 
lected 16 

Code of Symptoms 327 

Coryza 9^ 

Corona 289 

Common Cold 96, iii 

Corns 301 

Coma 164 

Coronary Band 299 

Congestion of Kidneys . • . • 217 

Congestion of the Liver .... 211 

Constipation 19^ 

Constipation, Not Necessary to 

Purge for 32 

Co-ordination 264 

Colic 183 

Colic, Horse Should be Allowed 
to Roll When Suffering 

from 32 

Cracked Heels 3^2 



Crural Muscles 284 

Crib-biter 173 

Curb 291 

Cystitis 225 

D 

Dermatodectes 317 

Decimal Scale 36 

Decayed Teeth 155 

Disinfection, Necessary, 

48, 62, 63, 72, 76, 379 

Diseases, Arrangement of . . . 43 

Diseases, Classification of . . . 43 

Diseases not all Cured by Drugs, 12 

Diagnosis 21 

Diaphragm, Spasms of ... . 148 

Digestive System 149 

Diarrhoea 205 

Diabetes 223 

Diabetes Mellitus 223 

Diabetes Insipidus 223 

Dose, The 34 

Dose, General Quantity for a . 39 

Dose, Repetition of the .... 39 

Dosage . 34 

Doors, Their Use 16 

Drainage of Stable 17 

Droptsole ' ' . . 298 

Dropsy 124, 197 

Drugs, The Strength of 34 

Drugs When Given in Crude 

Form 38 

Drugs, Strength of in Various 



Forms of Disease 



3S 



Dyspepsia 167 

Dysentery 192 

B 

Ears, Diseases of 309 

Eczema 314 

Eczema Impetiginodes .... 314 

Bctropium 308 

Elbow Lameness 285 

Elephantiasis 315 

Embolism 146 

Emphysema 128 



GENERAL INDEX. 



339 



Entropium 308 

Bndo-metritis 241 

Knema Pump 182 

Endo-carditis 140 

Enteritis . 190 

Erysipelas 58 

Erythema 312 

Exostoses 288 

Exposure . 80 

Experimental Inculation ... 74 

Eyes 304 



Farcy '. . . 61 

Fatigue • • 80 

Fetlock Joint, Sprain of . . . . 288 
Fever, Low Type Produced by 

Want of Cleanliness ... 18 

Fever, Simple 45 

Fever, Bilious 46 

Fireplaces in Stables Advantag- 

ous 17 

Fistulous Withers 311 

Filaria Papillosa 321 

Flooding After Birth 238 

Flatulent Colic ........ 186 

Flexor Tendons 285 

Foot, The 294 

Foal, The 246 

Fcetal Membranes 237 

Fracture of Suffraginis .... 288 

Fungus Hsematodes 306 



Gastritis 162 

Generative Organs, Diseases of 214 

General Diseases 45 

Glanders 61 

Glanders, Chronic 66 

Glands 88 

Glossitis 156 

Gonorrhoea 230 

<^rapes 315 

Gravel 227 

Grunter 104 



Grease 315 

Gullet 149, 161 

H 

Haemorrhoids 201, 204 

Haemorrhage Post Partum . . . 238 

Hepatitis 212 

Health, Preservation of ... . 15 

Heart Beats, How to Count . . 23 

Heart Valves 78 

Heartburn 169 

Heart 88, 132 

Heart, Dilatation of 138 

Heart, Fatty Degeneration of . 146 

Hemiplegia 277 

Hernia Umbilical 182 

Hernia Scrotal 182 

Hernia Strangulated 182 

Hiccough 148 

Homoeopathic Principle Unaf- 
fected by Dose 34 

Homoeopathy and Allopathy, 

their Distinction vii 

Homoeopathy, What is it , . . viii 

Homoeopathic Law xi 

How to Determine What is the 

Matter 21 

Hock, the 290 

Hygiene, Principles of ... . 15 

Hypertrophy of Heart .... 138 



Impotence 232 

Importance of Drug Symptoms x 

Internal Parasites 320 

Intestinal Obstruction 176 

Influenza 50 

Introduction iii 

Indigestion 167 

Indigestion in Foals 250 

Intestines, the 174 

Inflammation 321 

Inflammation of Lungs . ... 115 

Inflammation of Heart .... 140 

Inflanmiation of Arteries ... 147 



340 



GENERAL INDEX. 



Glands 



Inflammation of Veins , 
Inflammation of Tongue 
Inflammation of Parotid 
Inflammation of Pharynx . 
Inflammation of Stomach . 
Inflammation of Intestines 
Inflammation of Peritoneum 
Inflammation of Liver . 
Inflammation of Kidneys 
Inflammation of Bladder 
Inflammation of Uretha . 
Inflammation of Testicles 
Inflammation of Vagina 
Inflammation of Uterus . 
Inflammation of the Womb 
Inflammation of the Udder 
Inflammation of Brain . . 
Inflammation of Meninges 
Inflammation of Foot . . . 
Inflammation of Conjunctiva 
Intersusception . 
Incarceration .... 
Invagination .... 
Isolation 



147 
156 
157 

159 
162 

190 

195 
212 
219 
225 
229 

231 
241 
241 
242 
244 
266 
266 
296 

304 
176 
i76 

177, 
62 



Joints 77 

Joint 111 249 

Joint Oil ........... 287 

Jugular Veins 139 



Kidneys, Congestion of 
Knee 



217 
285 



Lamminitis 228, 298 

Lampas 154 

Larj-ngitis loi 

Lameness 278 

Leucorrhoea 241 

Ligament 77 

Ligament, Sprains of 281 

Liver 210 



Light From Stable Roof, Its 
Advantage and Disadvant- 
age 17 

Ivight, Importance of, to Pre- 
serve Eyesight 17 

Lice 319 

Local Paralysis 277 

Lock-jaw 271 

Lungs 109 

Lungs, Congestion of 115 

Lymphangitis 58, 87 

Lymphatic Vessels 61, 88 

M 

Mallein 63, 64, 68 

Mammitis 244. 

Mallanders 313 



Mange 



317 



37 
38 

39 
39 



Maw Worm 320 

Medicine, How it Enters the 

Body 

Medicine, Not Necessarily Re- 
quired Strong for Animals . 
Medicine, Best Vehicles for Ad- 
ministering 

Medicine, How to Administer . 

Membrana Nickitans 272 

Meningitis 266 

Metritis . . 242 

Mesentery iy6 

Miscarriage 250 

Monday Morning Disease ... 87 

Moisture 80 

Mortification 191 

Mud Fever 312 

Muscles 77 

Muscles, Sprains of the .... 281 

Musicians 131 

N 

Nasal Gleet 97 

Navicular Disease 296 

Nephritis 219 

Newmarket Fever . . .83, 106, 129 

Nervous System 260 



GENERAL INDEX. 



341 



Neurotom}' 298 

Nettlerash 313 

O 

CEstrum 241 

Oesophagus 161 

Opthalmia 304 

Orchitis 231 

Os Uteri 236 

Os Dilator 254 

Oxygen Gas 55, 7^ 

Oxyuris Curvula 320 



Parasites 305, 315 

Parasites, Internal 320 

Pathological Names Unreliable xiii 
Pain, l/ocality of, How Indi- 
cated 31 

Paraplegia 277 

Palpation 135 

Palpitation . 136 

Paraphimosis 230 

Parturient Fever 242 

Parotid Glands 101,-105 

Parotitis 157 

Parotid Glands, Inflammation of 157 

Parturition 233 

Parturition, Diseased Condition 

Incidental to 240 

Paralysis, General 276 

Peritonitis 195 

Percussion 95 

Pericarditis 138 

Periosteum ......... 288 

Phlebitis 155 

Pharynx 149, 159 

Phimosis 230 

Pharyngitis 168 

Piles 201, 204 

Pleura 95. lio 

Pleuro-pneumonia 115 

Pleuro-pneumonia Septic ... 130 

Pleurisy 123 

Pneumonia 116 



Potencies 34 

Potencies, Varieties of ... . 35 

Poll Evil 30, 310 

Polypus 105 

Presentations 234 

Presentations, False 234 

Probang 162 

Prolapsus Ani 194 

Preservation of Health .... xiii 

Premature Birth 250 

Protrusion of Bowels 194 

Psoas Muscle 283 

Pulsations, Normal Numbers of 23 

Pulsations, Variations of . . . 23 

Purpura Hsemorrhagica .... 92 

Pulse, the Character of the . . 23 

Pulse, Practice the Taking of . 24 
Pulse, Special Points in Taking 

Pulse, Where to Take it ... . 24 
Pulse, Variations of. What They 

suggest 24 

Pulse, Value Diagnosis of . . . 25 
Pulse and Respirations, Rela- 
tionship Between 26 

Pulse, Uniformity with Temper- 
ature and Respiration not 

Absolute 27 

Pyaemia 82 

a 

Quidding 153 

Quittors 302 

R 

Rabies 85 

Renal Congestion 217 

Respiratory Organs 95 

Remedies, Sensitiveness of Hom- 
oeopathic 40 

Restlessness 80 

Respiration . 25 

Respirations, Normal Number of 26 
Respirations, How to Observe . 26 
Respirations and Pulse, Rela- 
tion ship between ... 26 



342 



GENERAI, INDEX. 



Respirations, Uniformity with 
Pulse and Temperature not 

Absolute 27 

Respiratory Murmurs 27 

Retention of Foetal Membranes 237 

Rheumatism 77 

Ringbone 289 

Ringworm 319 

Roaring 103 

Rolling, to Prevent, in Colic is 

Erroneous 32 

Roof, best for Ventilation ... 16 

Rupture 180 

Rupture of Intestinal Walls . . 188 



Sanitation, Principles of ... . 15 

Satyriasis 232 

Sandcrack 301 

Sallanders 313 

Sarcoptis 317 

Scabies 317 

Septicamia , . 82 

Seedy Toes 301 

Shiverer 275 

Shivering 275 

Shoulder Lameness 284 

Shoulder Slip 285 

Side Bones 296 

Sighing 173 

Skin, Diseases of the 312 

Sore Teats 246 

Sore Throat 159 

Speculum 105 

Sprains 281 

Splints 288 

Strongulus Tetracanthus .... 206 

Strongyulus Armatus 320 

Stringhalt 275 

Stethoscope 135 

Stamping Out 68 

St. Vitus' Dance 275 

Strangles 47 

Staggers 264 

Stomach, Rupture of 170 



Stomach Staggers 168 

Stupor 164 

Stifle 290 

Stable, Construction of ... . 15 

Stable, Drainage of 15 

Stable, Lighting of 16 

Stable, Importance of Site, Soil 

and Aspect 16 

Suffraginis 288 

Super-purgation 207 

Suspensory Ligaments 285 

Swollen Glands (see Strangles) . 47 

Symbiotes 317 

Synovia 285 

Symptoms, How Expressed by 

Animals ... xi 

Symptoms, Totality of Neces- 
sary xii 

Symptoms, How to Recognize 

Totality . . 29 

Symptoms, How to Observe in 

Various Organs 29 

Symptoms, Objective 29 

Symptoms, Subjective 30 

Symptoms, Same in Different 

Maladies 43 



Tape Worm 320 

Teats, Sore 246 

Teeth 152 

Temperature, Normal in Horse . 22 
Temperature, Importance of 

Determining 22 

Temperature of Stables .... 16 

Temperature, Best in Building . 17 
Temperature in Relation to 

Pulse and Respiration ... 25 
Temperature, Uniformity with 

Pulse and Respiration not 

Absolute 25 

Temperature an Important 

Guide 29 

Tetanus 271 

Tendons 77 



GENERAL INDEX. 



343 



Tendons, Sprains of 281 

Thermometer, its Value and 

Use 22 

Thermometer, When to Use . . 22 
Thermometer, Varied Registra- 
tion of ... . . 22 
Time Best for Watering Horse . 19 
Time to be Allowed Between 

Watering and Feeding . . 20 

Thrush 301 

Thoroughpin 293 

Thick Wind 113, 122 

Totality of Symptoms x 

Tonsils 159 

Trachea 106, 109 

Tracheotomy 93 

Trituation, x\d vantages of . . . 36 

Treatment, How to Determine . 21 
Treatment, Local Combined 

with Internal 30 

Trochar 188 

Trephining 99 

Twist 179, 181 

U 

Ulcers 61 

Urinary Organs, Diseases of, 214, 229 

Urticaria 313 

Urethra 229 

Uterus, Inversion of 239 

Uterus, Displacement of . . . 254 



V 

Valvulitis 140 

Vaginitis 241 

Venous Pulse 142 

Veins 88, 133 

Ventilation of Stable .... 15 

Ventilation, a System of . . . 16 

Virus . . 61 

Vomiting 170 

W 

Warmth of Body, How Best 

Maintained 16 

Water, Service of 19 

Water, Hard to be Boiled 19 
Water, Influence on Digestive 

organs 19 

Water, Purity of Supply Tested, 76 
Watering Horse, Reasons for 

Special Time 20 

Weed 87 

White, Fibrous Tissue .... 77 

Whistler 104 

Windpipe 106, 109 

Windows, Their Use 16 

Wind Sucker 169 

Womb, Inversion of .... 239 

Womb, Displacement of ... . 235 

Womb, Inflammation of ... . 242 

Wool Sorters' Disease 74 



CATALOGUE OF 



Popular Homeopathic 

AND OTHER WORKS 



PUBLISHED BY 

BOERICKE & XAFKI^, 

HOMCEOPATHIC PHARMACISTS, IMPORTERS AND 

PUBTISHKRS. 

Philadelphia: 1011 Arch St. and 111 S. 13th St. 

New York: 145 Grand St. and 15 W. 42d St. 
Chicago : 44 E. Madison St. 

Pittsburgh : 627 Smithfield St. 

Baltimore : 228 North Howard St. 
Business Established in 1835. Cincinnati: 204 W. 4th St. 



Boericke & Dewey, Drs. T/ie Twelve Tissue Rem- 
edies. Schiissler. Third edition. Revised and enlarged. 
384 pages. 8vo. Cloth, $2.50 net. By mail, $2.68. 

The only complete work published in English, on The Twelve 
Tissue Remedies, or the " biochemic " treatment of disease. 

Bradford, Dr. T. L. The Life and Letters of Di'. 
Samtiel Hahnemann. 513 pages. 8vo. Cloth, $2.50 net. 
By mail, $2.75. 

Near half a century elapsed after the death of the greatest 
of medical reformers before his life was written. But it is now 
well written. A book of great interest and permanent value. 

Custis, Dr. M. A. The Practice of Medicine. A con- 
densed manual. 360 pages. Flexible leather. Gill edges 
and round corners. $2.00. By mail, $2.07. 



The best condensation of the practice of medicine, with 
therapeutics, ever written. It names, describes and gives the 
treatment of every known disease. Especially adapted for all 
students of medicine. 

Dewey, Dr. W. A. Essentials of Homceopathic Ma- 
teria Medica. Second edition. 294 pages. Cloth, $1.50. 
By mail, $[.58. 

— Essentials of Homoeopathic Therapeutics. 266 pages. 
Cloth, $1.50. By mail, $1.58. 

These two works are designed for those who want to get an 
insight into the subjects treated. 

Ellis, Dr. John Avoidable Causes of Disease^ In- 
sanity and Deformity. 396 pages. Cloth, $1.50. Mailed 
post-paid on receipt of price. 

Dr. Ellis is the well-known temperance writei: and this book 
has been a favorite for man}^ years. 

Gallavardin, Dr. The Homceopathic Treatment of 
Alcoholism. 138 pages. Cloth, 50 cts. By mail, 56 cts. 

A work by the famous French pS3"chopathist and homoeo- 
pathist, who is known throughout France for his wonderful 
cures. 

Guernsey, Dr. E. Homceopathic Domestic Practice. 

loth edition. 653 pages. 8vo. Half morocco, $2.50. 
Mailed post-paid on receipt of price. 

A favorite domestic work. 

Hahnemann. Organon. 244 pages 8vo. Cloth., 

$1.75. Mailed post-paid on receipt of price. 
This book is the philosophical corner-stone of Homoeopathy. 
It is highly interesting reading. 

Helmuth, Dr. W. T. With the ''Pousse Cafe:' 141 
pages. $1.00 net. By mail, $108. 

Dr. Helmuth' s verses are one of the social land-marks of 
Homoeopathy. 

Hens el, Julius. Macrobiotic^ or our Diseases and our 
Remedies. Translated from the German. 201 pages. 8vo. 
Cloth, §1.50 net. B}^ mail, gi.62. 

Not homoeopathic but phj^siologic. 

Hering, Dr. C. The Homoeopathic Domestic Physi- 
cian. 458 pages. 8vo. Cloth, $2.50. Mailed post-paid on 
receipt of price. 
No man did more for Homoeopath}^ in the United States than 

Constantine Hering. His "domestic" is one of the best. 



Holcombe, Dr. W. H. //ow I Became a Homoeopath, 
28 pages. Paper, 15 cents. By mail 17 cents. 

— What is Homoeopathy. 28 pages. Paper, 15 cents. By 
mail, 17 cents. 

— The Truth About Homoeopathy. 43 pages. Cloth, 25 cts. 
net. By mail, 28 cents. 

Three as good little ' 'missionary' ' works as were ever printed. 
The last one is Dr. Holcombe's final word; the MSS. was found 
in his desk after his death. 

Jones, Dr. S. A. The Grounds of a Homceopathh 
Faith. 92 pages. Cloth, 30 cents. Mailed post-paid on 
receipt of price. 

Three brilliant addresses with which Dr. Jones faced, de- 
moralized and routed the whole faculty and students of an 
Allopathic college. 

Jones, Dr. Stacy. The Medical Genius. A guide to 
the Cure. 320 pages. 8vo. Cloth, $2.00. By mail, $2.11. 
An immense!}" popular book. Gives homoeopathic and also 
other treatments — the simple, ^^et practical, treatments of experi- 
ence. 

— The Bee-Line Repertory. 210 pages. Flexible leather. 
Gilt edges, round corners. $1.00 net. By mail, $1.03. 

A very popular homoeopathic repertory. 

Laurie & McClatchey, Drs. The Homoeopathic Do- 
mestic Medicine. 1044 pages. 8vo. Half morocco, $5.00. 
Mailed post-paid on receipt of price. The oldest, largest 
and completest work on domestic practice published. 

Johnson, Dr. I. D. A Guide to Homoeopathic Practice. 
494 pages. 8vo. Cloth, $2.00. Mailed post-paid on re- 
ceipt of price. 
A very popular work on account of its extreme clearness and 

simplicity. 

LrUtze, Dr. A. A Manual of Homoeopathic Theory a Jid 
Practice. Translated from the sixtieth thousand German 
edition. 750 pages. 8vo. Half morocco, $2.50. Mailed 
post-paid on receipt of price. 
It is tlie book in Germany, the home of Homoeopathy, for 

the people. 

Manual of Homoeopathic Veterinary Practice. Second 
edition. 684 pages. 8vo. Half morocco, $5.00. Mailed 
post-paid on receipt of price. 
The completest work on Homoeopathic Veterinary Practice. 

Includes treatment of all domestic animals. 



Morgan, Dr. S. Text-book of Domestic Practice. 191 
pages. Cloth, 50 cents. Mailed post-paid on receipt of 
price. Our smallest " domestic. " 

Poultry Doctor. 85 pages. Cloth, 50 cents. Mailed 
post-paid on receipt of price. 

The only homoeopathic work on the diseases of the feathered 
creation. 

Ruddock, Dr. E. H. Stepping-stone to Homoeopathy 
and Health. Latest revised American edition, by Wm. 
Boericke, M. D. 256 pages. Cloth, $1.00. Mailed post- 
paid on receipt of price. 

A very satisfying little work and one well adapted for indi- 
viduals and families. 

Safety in Cholera Times. 63 pages. Cloth, 50 cents 
net. By mail, 54 cents. 
A book you need when cholera approaches. 

Sharps s Tracts on Homoeopathy. 232 pages. 8vo. 
Cloth, 75 cents net. By mail, 87 cents. 

These tracts have probably made more converts to Homoeo- 
pathy than any other publication of a similar nature. 

Small, Dr. A. E. A Manual of Homceopathic Practice 
for the Use of Families. Fifteenth edition. 831 pages. 
Half morocco, $2.50. Mailed post-paid on receipt of price. 
A fine old work and the favorite of many. 

Sexual Ills and Diseases. 160 pages. Flexible leather. 

Gilt edges and round corners. $1.00. By mail, $105. 

The best book on the subject ever written for the public. 
Clear, practical and helpful to young and old, married and un- 
married. Gives proper medical treatment for all sexual troubles. 

Verdi, Dr. T. S. Maternity. 450 pages. Cloth, 

$2.00. Mailed post-paid on receipt of price. 

A wholesome book for young wives about to become mothers. 

— Mothers and Daz^ghters. 287 pages. Cloth, $1.50. Mailed 
post-paid on receipt of price. 

A book instructing the mother as to the care of her daughters 
from infancy to marriage. 

— Home Ti^eatment of Disease , for Popular Use. 579 pages. 
8vo. Cloth, $3.50. Mailed post-paid on receipt of price. 

The latest work on domestic practice published, and a most 
excellent one. 

Complete Catalogue of Books Mailed on Application, 



4 



V3 










'#' 







«■ 



<\^v 



^^^ 



-:^M 



Sill 



^?:?';;^ 



i^^ 



:4^.0 



':^v-;# 



:cKS: 



,^:M^ 



i^* 



^;<xS:; 



